"Since wars begin the minds of men, it is in the minds of children that the defences of peace must be constructed. This statement made by a former Director-General of UNESCO has been translated into reality by the students of City Montessori School who were instrumental in the organisation of the First Conference on Article 51 of the Constitution of India, which is designed to promote international peace and security. The Republic of Mauritius, as a peace-loving nation and eager to see peace prevailing everywhere in the world, did participate actively in that Conference.

The initiative for world peace needs to rally unanimity among all the nations of the world. What children are claiming, through this Conference in an endeavour to arouse world opinion about the urgent need to establish a World Parliament for World Peace, is perfectly legitimate because the right to peace and the right to happiness cannot be denied to anybody.

It is my fervent wish that the noble mission, on which the City Montessori School has embarked, will attract the support of world leaders and that the dream of a World Parliament, responsible for introducing a set of international laws to ensure peace in all countries, will soon become a reality."

- His Excellency Mr Cassam Uteem
President of Mauritius

"Article 51 of the Constitution of India articulate the principles which are essential to a future of international peace and security. In our globalized world, an international rule of law is essential if we are to avoid the massive violation of fundamental human rights which has been the hallmark of the 20th Century. The alternative to a rule of law for the international community, as also in the case of any national state, is anarchy. The challenge is to find an accommodation for the respect for international law consistent with national sovereignty.

Article 51 appropriately recognises the role of international law in the modern world, the respect which all people should have for each other and the need for the settlement of disputes before they lead to war."

"Subsection (c) of Article 51 calls on the Government of India to strive towards respect for international law. This is undoubtedly a very progressive rule in the field of Constitutional Law. I have no doubt that other nations should look into the possible importation of such a rule into their respective constitutions. The cooperation between nations to maintain world peace is absolutely essential to our survival as a human species. It is therefore my firm opinion that the establishment of some form of 'World Parliament' is not only a possibility which needs to be explored, but an absolute necessity."

"I heartily endorse your goal of the creation of a World Parliament. The formation of such a noble institution would elevate international law to a plane it richly deserves: that of an incandescent beacon of justice, bringing light and hope to those of our fellow human beings cursed by poverty, disease, slavery and totalitarianism."

"I am convinced that the formation of such institution as a world governing body would play an important role in the maintenance of world peace, in order to meet chances of the twenty-first century. The support of human rights, the preservation of international security and armament control are some of the issues contributes to. I can assure you, that Slovakia will consider your future activities with it's best disposition not only at the Millenium Summit, but in other fields of UN activities as well.

I wish you success in your future activities and I hope all your wishes will come true.

Please accept assurances of my highes cosideration."

"The Republic of Montenegro, and myself personally, support all the efforts that are being undertaken, in order to affirm the principles and values that may substantially contribute to creating more human, harmonized life for every person on our planet. Therefore, I find your initiative, for establishing the "World Parliament", very reasonable and far-sighted. I am convinced that such international body which will involve all international factors, may be an efficient instrument to stand for those high goals and would implement a new, more valuable, international order."

"The focus on your conference regarding "Fostering respect for International Law" indeed presents some interesting issues that would generate some lively discussion. I extend my best wishes for a most successful conference."

"The formation of an international law with sanctions to enforce it would be a great achievement in this new century. I applaud your efforts and wish them every success."

"Progress in our increasingly connected world will be effected in large part through the development of international law. One measure of its progress, therefore, might be the degree of respect accorded by various nations to international law. Article 51 of the Constitution of India embodies this idea."

"Sages and prophets have taught the undying message of peace and security and civilization has recognized the primacy to foster respect for international law."

"The ... aim of arousing world opinion about the urgent need to establish a world parliament for world peace ... will materialize because we will not sit back and relax."

"The voices of the Chief Justices of the World would doubtless be heeded."

"I strongly believe that the focus of your conference - enforceable law as a means against international terrorism presents very interesting and highly topical issues."

Article 51 (c) of the Constitution of India and in particular the interpretation of Article 51 (c) as requiring the creation of a World Parliament, is certainly an interesting project.

"Inspite of everything happening around us, in my view, the terms of Article 51 are most laudable in their intent.."

"I personally strongly support your noble goal to set up a World Parliament and I believe that such deliberations as you intend to have at your Conference could contribute considerably to the improvement of lives of all people in the world, so that they could enjoy peace and prosperity and suffer less deprivation and humiliation."

"I was also tuched that students of City Montessori School expressed their concern over the state of the world by obtaining over100,000 signatures on a petition to Mr Annan to safeguard world peace on behalf of the children. Surely world peace is the most important topic."

"The provisions contained in Article 51 of the Indian Constitution is a beacon and provide a ray of hope for saving the world from the impending nuclear and environmental cavastrophe. Only a legally constituted "World Parliament" with power to enact international laws that apply to all countries of the world as well as individuals can provide the much-desired peace and security to the people of the world."

"I appreciate the importance of Article 51 of the Constitution of India, which articulates concepts fundamental to responsible nationhood."

"I do feel that the dream of a World Parliament can become a reality if we strive hard towards that target, the first stone has been laid for the eventual establishment of a World Parliament."

"World Peace and Global Governance are indeed of utmost importance for the future of mankind."

"It is my belief as a judge that the law must, worldwide, support the notion of the organic interdependence and unity of the human race. Laying the groundwork for global civilization calls for the creation of laws and institution that are universal in both character and authority. Fostering a respect for international law is certainly an essential prelude to the establishment of any legally constituted World Agency for the implementation of international standards."

"International political and economic environment is, today, characterized by unequal, unjust and unstable relations between the nations and the peoples of the world. Several problems like terrorism, environmental degradation, low intensity conflicts, poverty and serious health issues require global attention. It is essential for the world community ... to focus attention in implementing the pledges made by the Heads of State and Heads of government of all the countries at the Millennium Summit in September 2000 to build a New World Order."

I agree with you that people all over the world feel that they are totally let down by the world politicians and that intellectuals have failed to give the necessary lead in attaining a new world order. It is time that we should firmly resolve and take decisions which can lead to a better life for one and all."

"Law is enforceable if there is sanction behind it. Since there is no such sanction behind international law, there is a dire need to enact enforceable international law to safeguard the future of world's children by peaceful settling of territorial and international disputes.. "

"A just international order is an inescapable necessity for men's survival. Such an order must rest on equal respect for all nations as well as equal opportunity for each people to develop to its fullest potential."

I had occasion recently to underline the commitment in the preamble and Article - 51 of the Constitution of India to the advancement of fraternity. This, of course, is fundamental to the advancement of peace, domestic and between nations.

"In my opinion the message is already enclosed in article 51 of the constitution of India and that is the respect for international law. Enforceable international law is necessary if we want to deal effectively with international terrorism and many other prblems which we are facing here on this planet."

The Japanese Constitution declared the abandonment of war and the contribution to international peace under Article 9.

The topic is indeed an interesting one and you and your school are to be commended for holding a conference which promotes Articles 51 of the Constitution of India.

It is indeed a matter of happiness that your organisation is propogating world peace and Article 51 of the Constitution of India as enshrined in our Constitution by promoting International Peace and Security.

Some comments on the provision of the Article 51 vis-a-vis the principles included in the Brazilian Constitution regarding international relations are as under :

The Article and of the Brazilian Constitution determines that the Brazilian State shall, in its relations, be guided by the following principles :

(a) National independence.

(b) Prevalence of human rights

(c) Self-determination of the peoples

(d) Non-intervention

(e) Equal relations among states

(f) Defense of Peace

(g) Peaceful solution of conflicts

(h) Repudiation of terrorism and racism

(i) Cooperation among peoples for the progress of humanity

(j) Concession of political asylum

"Article 51 of the Constitution of India embodies the aspirations of our people and the ethos of Indian civilization to follow the path of non-violence and to treat the entire world as one human family propounded by our sages philosophers since ancient times."

"I am extremely happy that the City Montessori School, Lucknow, has been very active in propagating the well-cherished Indian Constitutional objective of International Peace and Security."

"I support your efforts for World Peace. There can be nothing more important now that there is such huge injustice and inequality through the World that still enormous funds are being spent on arms. Even a small proportion of this money if directed to solving the hunger and inequalities would be of great effect. We are not going to see this happen until we see a World that is more at peace. Then slowly nations can release funds from defense (or aggression) to relieving the tragedy of basic human needs against starvation and disease. I wish you a very good Conference."

"As we enter the 21st Century, we are faced with legal and political challenges. The preservation of world peace and respect for international law are essential in a changing world. Members of the legal profession must respond to this challenge and we must give our best efforts to establish a society dedicated to peace and justice for all."

"I send you my best wishes for successful and fruitful deliberations, the aim of which is to seek the means to implement the obligation mandated by Article 51(c) of the Constitution."

"Please accept my best wishes for a successful conference. I trust that your deliberations will go some way towards your objective of creating a forum for enacting international law which would be enforceable on all countries and peoples of the world.I share your concern for the future of our children and would add to your concerns on nuclear stock-piling the use and implementation of child labour."

"I think Article 51 of the Constitution of India is very important and useful and we need applicable International Law at least to accomplish world peace and security."

"I think Article 51 of the Constitution of India is very important and useful and we need applicable International Law at least to accomplish world peace and security."

" I wish your conference a great success in its important objective to bring peace and security of the world."

"The forthcoming event on 'world Peace and Article 51 of the Constitution of India'is indeed the call of the hour. In view of the general unrest, I think a statute enforceable internationally is a must and through this event, some concrete way of implementing better international collaboration in the field of general lawful security and safety could be forthcoming.

I am sure, with the expertise of the legal exponents from all over the world, CMS will be able to contribute substantially in initiating a march towards a Safe Future, which is a right of all humans."

"I have every hope that the deliberations at the conference will be meaningful, of great significance and of very great importance to all concerned."

"My best wishes for the success of your conference. In discussing your conference topic, namely respect for international law, you may be interested to know that the Constitution of our young democracy (Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No. 108 of 1996) contains a provision similar to your sec 51 (c), in that our sec 39 (1) (b) provides that a court, tribunal or forum, when interpreting the Bill of Rights, "must consider international law...". It would appear, therefore, we could benefit from your experience and deliberations in this regard."

"It gives me immense pleasure to convey my most warm greetings and appreciation to the City Montessori School, Lucknow for its purposeful endeavour and activity for world peace and fundamental rights to a safe future for born and unborn children.

I highly admire your initiative and succcessful effort and appeal to draw attention to international law and the importance of the United Nations in securing peace and security in the world."

When I first read article 51 of the Indian Constitution two words occurred to me. They are "if only". If only every nation would strive to attain the ideals of Article 51 in its international relations, how much bloodshed, what hardship and what abject poverty could have been avoided? How many lives could have been spared and how many mouths could have been fed? Such lofty ideals can only be achieved by speaking about them publicly. This is basically why I find it so unfortunate that I will not be able to attend the second conference.

I would like to convey my best wishes for a fruitful and successful event. The conference theme which shall deliberate Article 51 of the Indian Constitution "fostering respect for international law" is certainly a very contemporary theme which bears implementing by the strongest means in order to prevent the unhappy international incidents which we have witnessed recently and which continue to occur. The Chief Justices of the world, are preeminently the most experienced and relevant body of persons to consider the principle of enforcement of international law, especially in relation to international terrorism and I am confident that together they will be able to provide sound proposals and recommendations for the international community to follow in this area."

"The idea of having a World Parliament is a laudable one but at the present moment, to preserve peace and harmony throughout the world is greater and it calls for a little sacrifice. We should shun violence at all cost and try to settle our differences, if any, through peaceful negotiations and with mutual respect for each other.

With the culmination of violence, the economic resources could be diverted for advancement for the common good of mankind in the less developed and developing countries that still face great hardship and are unable to lead a better life as expected.

I congratulate the Organisers of the Conference for propogating the noble ideas enshrined in Article 51 of the Indian Constitution for promoting international peace and security and foster respect for International Law."