Summit delegates treated to state dinner

September 8, 2017

KUCHING: The state government treated International Summit of Peace 2017 delegates from over 100 countries to a state dinner on Wednesday.

Delegates join in a cultural dance led by performers
from Sarawak Arts Council. 

In his welcoming address, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah thanked Junior Chamber International (JCI) for choosing Kuching as the summit’s venue, making the city a centre of discussion for world peace.

“Peace is possible, that is why we are here. We believe in it and we are living it here in Kuching. In Kuching, our citizens come from different cultural and religious backgrounds yet we live harmoniously together,” he said.

He stressed that Kuching has been recognised as City of Unity because the people peacefully co-exist.

Abang Johari (fourth right) with several delegates.

“You will not only experience our diverse culture during your stay here. You will also be inspired by our peaceful way of life,” he said.

“We hope that you will leave Kuching having achieved your goal of being empowered to become peacemakers as well as peace promoters and that out of this summit, we will see a world that is more peaceful as a result of your cumulative actions.”

He also called on delegates to be ambassadors for Sarawak and Kuching.

In her speech, JCI world president Dawn Hetzel called on the delegates to be an example in promoting peace.

“We can start the conversation, we can share with our family and friends and we can start the movement that we believe peace is possible.

“We have all came here because we are peacemakers and we all live with the idea that peace is possible.”

Among those who attended the dinner were Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and wife Datin Amar Datuk Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang.

The International Summit of Peace 2017 will end today (Sept 8). -TheBorneoPost