The 6th International Conference of Chief Justices of the World began on 10th December 2005 at 9:00 am at the CMS World Unity Convention Centre, with a prayer song by CMS students followed by the peace song “We Rise” by Gemma Bulos, architect of the Million Voices Peace Choir and founder of “A Single Drop”. This was followed by presentation of Children’s World Parliament, where students of CMS playacted as world leaders coming together to discuss global problems.

Delivering the Welcome Address, Hon’ble Mr Justice Bhanwar Singh, Judge, Allahabad High Court , Lucknow Bench, ( INDIA ) said, “cause among the world judiciary. As is well known, many great leaders and thinkers of the 20 th Century, Albert Einstein, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Winston Churchill, Peter Ustinov, Robert Muller, Emery Reves and Sri Aurobindo and many others have in their utterances, favoured a World Government.” He also said, “As the conscience keepers of mankind and as the custodians of the welfare of humanity’s silent masses, it is for the World Judiciary to come out and deliver a public judgement on the urgent issue of global governance. The voice of a united World Judiciary cannot be ignored and shall have to be heard and obeyed by all. Please unite for the sake of humanity’s survival, for the sake of world’s two billion children and for the sake of Justice for all and for the sake of a New World Order that is more just, democratic and egalitarian and that is fully capable of safeguarding the rights of the world’s children, born and yet-to-be-born.”

This was followed by presentation of Children’s Appeal to World Judiciary by a group of 15 CMS students, asking that the future of world’s two billion children and generations yet unborn be safeguarded.

The Convenor of the Conference and founder of CMS, Mr Jagdish Gandhi then outlined the objectives of the Conference which he said was being organized to build global public opinion in favour of enactment of world laws by a duly-constituted World Parliament. He also thanked the World Judiciary for its enthusiastic support to this initiative on behalf of world’s children. He also introduced the Chief GuestHon’ble Mr Justice P. N. Bhagwati, Former Chief Justice of India and presently the Chairman, Human Rights Commission and Patron-in-Chief of the Conference.

In his address Hon’ble Mr Justice P. N. Bhagwati urged world judiciary to interpret law creatively and imaginatively to ensure that justice is done not only to those who come before their Court, but also to those who cannot. He urged the Judges to dispense justice boldly saying that the hands of a creative and imaginative judge can never be tied. He also said, “One day, I am sure that all mankind will come together. If people have begun to think that there is something wanting, something lacking and that is does not produce any happiness in them but they do not know what is the solution and that solution can be found when we all stand together as one common humanity as we all belong to same one world. We may have broken up into states as I told earlier, for administrative purpose but we all belong to the great sea of humanity.”

In his Keynote Address, Hon’ble Mr Justice G. K. Acquah, Chief Justice of Ghana said, “ Fortunately or unfortunately, globalisation and advanced scientific and information technology have transformed the world today into a global village where people from all the countries are now compelled to live in close cooperation for mutual progress, development and survival. The resultant need from such close interaction is unity of humankind and peace in the world. And this naturally requires a legally constituted law making body, like a world parliament, to enact an enforceable international law, applicable to all the countries and peoples of the world at the same time. Now if such a world parliament could be formed, and representatives of all the countries of the world participate in decision-making, then there would be no room for partiality and complacency.”

Hon’ble Mr Ram Jethmalani, Former Law Minister of India presided over the session. In his presidential address Mr Jethmalani said, “We are here to support and reinforce the Appeal of 29,000 children of the City Montessori School, Lucknow to the distinguished members of the world judiciary assembled here. They are looking for a world free from fear of war, terrorism and crime. They want to be safeguarded against the arbitrary and cruel actions of an inscrutable providence and the disasters that threaten our life, health and meager possessions acquired with body breaking labour and enervating perspiration. They are in other words craving what economist Galbraith cal1s the 'Good Society'. In their Appeal the children have told us what is wrong with the present. This knowledge will help us to do what is right for shaping the future.”

The session was also addressed by Ms Pareena Swaroop, Secretary, Supreme Court Bar Association, India who said in her speech, “In recent times, we have seen unilateralism being conducted by some of the powerful countries of the World, overlooking the objections of the United Nations and its Security Council as well as the General Assembly. Although the theme of today’s conference is thought provoking, we have to deliberate and think as to ways and means through which a codified body of International laws can be enforced. One way can be by encouraging the growth of regional groupings, such as European Union, ASEAN, SAARC etc. which form a confederation akin to a Parliament, and provide for election of representatives from these regional groupings to the said confederation, which shall then function as a World Parliament. Enforcing the enactments of such a World parliament shall be the responsibility of all the regional groupings and in the event that enactments and codified International laws, enacted by such Parliament, are not enforced by the countries of the regional groupings, effective steps such as sanctions etc. including multilateral intervention, either by force or through persuasion, should be resorted to. “

Addressing the Conference, Mr Prashant Bhushan, Advocate, Supreme Court of India said, “So now we have situation where there is one country and I am singling out the US because today the US is the sole superpower in the world which has such disproportionate power – political power, military power and financial power and by just the might of its military and economic power, it is not only willfully flouting international law but also embarking upon a course whereby its own security and its own survival is also imperiled.”

Proposing the Vote of Thanks, Mr Ravi Prakash Gupta, Advocate, Supreme Court of India called for big round of applause for the children, the students of CMS who had presented various cultural items for the Judges and who were also present in the auditorium listening to the Judges.

The afternoon session began after a one hour lunch break. The session opened with a peace song by CMS students “A plea for One World” which was followed by presentation of Children’s Appeal to World Judiciary by another group of 18 CMS students, asking the world judiciary to ensure and implement their right to inherit a safe and healthy ecology.

Mr R. C. Gupta, Former Joint Secretary, Law, Government of U.P., who spoke on the relevance of Article 51 of the Constitution of India and the need to live up to its spirit, gave the Welcome Address.

The session was addressed by Hon’ble Mr Shanti Bhushan, Former Law Minister of India who said in his speech that the world urgently needed another layer of government at world level and above the national governments, to manage world affairs. He expressed his conviction that such a world parliament would soon come into existence.

The session was presided over by Hon’ble Mr Justice Peter Shivute, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Namibia who said in his Presidential Address, “I wish to congratulate the organizers of the conference for excellent arrangements and thank them for their tireless efforts to bring the voice of reason in the community of nations, which sometimes moves slower than what one would expect it to do. It is our duty to contribute towards the idea that international law can and must be enforceable. I am convinced that together we can make it.”

The session was then addressed by Hon’ble Mr Justice Fazal Hadi Shinwari, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Afghanistan ( the speech was translated in English by a translator) said, “Concerning to the issue of "Enforceable International Law is the Idea whose time has come", while I strongly support this idea, I would like to propose that the idea be at the focus attention of Chief Justices of the World. The situation requires to overcome the obstacles existed against establishment of World peace and availing of this opportunity mould such as an International law in which family of the world enjoying pride on the bases of love, mercy, and security. I believe only in this way peace for nations could be granted, and it will remain as inheritance to future generations. Society desires durable justice and peace in their personals and in their all social affairs. It is the business of Chief Justices of the World to try their utmost endeavour in order to ensure that a wise Law on the basis of principles of Justices be passed.”

The session was next addressed by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Adrien Nyankiye, President of the Supreme Court of Burundi who spoke in French while a translator translated the speech into English. Justice Nyankiye said, “The International community aspires to establish a veritable international authority and appears unable to pursue means towards this end. It is not longtime ago that we talked of a new international order which never saw the light of the day. There cannot be an international order without the affect on protection of the fundamental human rights and humane communities especially for those who are in situation of extreme poverty. It is necessary to think of a law of development which supports the law of peace especially in this hour of globalization. The International law has been for a long time a law of war and a law of peace. It should today be made so that this becomes exclusively a law of peace.”

Hon’ble Mr Justice Davone Vangvichith, Vice President of the People’s Supreme Court of Lao PDR spoke next as representative of H.E. Mr Khammy Xayavong, President of the People’s Supreme Court of Laos and said, “Generally the world is under the threat of aggressive regime, war, poverty and terrorism. Many children are still waiting for peace, freedom and safety. So that this important Conference is the way to promote International Justice, peace and security and to enforce international law in order to gain advantage for the next generation; therefore could I say that only by enforcement of international law our children can be secured?The aim of this Conference, which seeks to foster respect for international law in complying to article 51 of the Constitution of India, is able to find the way to protect Children’s right with a safe future. Having said that, I would like to call you all in this Conference that so far you have assisted us, to further provide such necessary input in the future.”

Hon’ble Mr Justice Norbu Tshering, Judge, Royal Court of Justice of Bhutan spoke next on behalf of his Chief Justice Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye said, “We will be very unkind if we do not pay heed to the glorious voice of the Children of City Montessori School who represent other billions of children of the world, privileged as well as unprivileged. The harmonization of the domestic laws with the international law should be the homework for those of us who are here today. We will have to invent a world legal system that can guarantee peace and security to a child whether born in a city with skyscraper almost touching the sky or in a forest, where there is no mark of modernity.

Next to speak was Hon’ble Madam Justice Jacinta Correia da Costa , Judge, Court of Appeal, Timor Leste who was representing Hon’ble Mr Justice Claudiode Jesus Ximenes, Chief Justice of Timor Leste. Madam Justice Jacinta said, “A World Assembly as a Global Law-making Body is in the short term may seem to be a utopia. However, a series of reforms on the United Nations Organization could contribute to set the basis for a more pro-active and law-making General Assembly. This could be the origin, the shed for a Global Law-making Body, for the sake of the World. Let us listen the appeal of the children of the world voiced by the students of the City Montessori School and give them a strong support for their dreams to become true.”

Hon’ble Mr Justice Victor Gorodovenko, Head, Court of Appeal of Zaporizh Region, Ukraine speaking next said, “Every country must take all necessary measures to protect children from the worse forms of children exploitation and focus its efforts to help them with getting study.”

The Chief Justice of Mauritius, Hon’ble Mr Justice A. G. Pillay was represented by Hon’ble Mr Justice Paul Lam Shang Leen, Judge, Supreme Court of Mauritius who said in his speech, “States have been co-operating to fight a new form of evil, the international terrorism. The failure of humanity abounds in history and we are heading towards a dangerous slope of no return when there are recently national and international terrorisms in many parts of the World; the mad race towards heavy armament; the stockpiling of weapons of mass destruction and worst of all genocide. In addition, to those massive means of destroying humanity, the World is slowly suffocating itself through huge emission of toxic substances and more especially of carbon dioxide leading to the global warming of the earth. We have witnessed one of the consequences of global warming namely natural calamities are becoming increasingly more and more frequent and violent.” He also said, “May I wish Mr and Mrs Gandhi and all their dedicated team success in their laudable mission to again call upon the World Leaders to ensure that there be left as world heritage for the children of the future a better, peaceful, harmonious, pollution free and healthy environment. Individual actions may seem small, but let us together join forces and put pressure on the World Leaders as the students of the City Montessori School, Lucknow, had been doing for years, in the name of billions of Children, present and future, so that there can be changes in order to build a better world. It has been said that the truth comes from the mouth of Children and indeed the Children are teaching the World Leaders that with humility, modesty, love, tolerance and acceptance of the differences, it is not impossible for the good of humanity to envisage the creation of a World Parliament which can be achieved by giving away part of the State’s sovereignty. Let each one of us brings his small stone to the foundation of that enterprise of setting up a World Parliament empowered to legislate and to enforce International Law.”

Hon’ble Mr Justice V. Alleear, Chief Justice of Seychelles was represented by Hon’ble Mr Justice Durai Karunakaran, Judge, Supreme Court of Seychelles who said in his speech, “Hundreds of years ago, leaders of one of the indigenous tribal people of North America understood their own lack of foresight and made it policy to weigh all decisions according to the impact each could have on the seventh generation from theirs. A great deal of imagination must have been expended in postulating ramifications. Seven generations back from today would put us around the year 1760. What could the hunting or gathering tribes of what is now the United States have done to impact your world? Acorns planted could now be venerable oaks, having bred forest around themselves. Streams rerouted might be present day rivers. Frequently used footpaths have been the templates for modern highways. Seven generations ahead is about the year 2250. What is within our power to impact the citizens of that time? No longer are we a simple-living species, our behaviour has consequences beyond our humble imaginings, but there are some outcomes we can count on. We will deplete the atmosphere of elements vital to life and cause the global temperature to rise, resulting in upheavals in weather patterns. We will directly cause the extinction of hundreds of species of plant and animal life every week. Our constant and growing demand for fuel, food, space and influence has us pushing the boundaries of our resources, living beyond our means and creating conflicts in the process; conflicts between ourselves and our neighbours, ourselves and our environment; and such conflicts our Mother Earth has never before experienced.”

Hon’ble Professor Justice Dr Xhezair Zaganjori, Judge, Constitutional Court of Albania who was the next to address the session said, “An important incentive for considering the children’s right to inherit a safe and healthy ecology as a binding norm of the international law, is the application of the sustainable development principle, which is emphasized in almost all the international acts in the field of environment. According to this principle, the sustainable development “should meet the actual needs of the mankind, without compromising the needs of the future generations”. According to the Convention on Climate Change, the main role for the achievement of the convention objective should be played by the developed countries, which are the main causers of the global warming and climate change.”

Hon’ble Mr Justice Arsene K. Capo-Chichi, Judge and Charge de Mission in the Cabinet of Benin Supreme Court said in his speech, “ As we all know, planet earth is currently populated by almost two billion children. In Benin , the population of children under 18 represents more than 52.7% of the total population. Therefore, in view of the numerical size of this layer, which represents the potentially active cross-section of the population of the future, it is necessary that a peculiar attention be given them. That is why, in spite of calendar constraints which do not allow him to personally participate in the deliberations of the sixth conference of Chief Justices, the President of Benin Supreme Court by appointing me to represent him, has insisted that his jurisdiction brings its active contribution to the brainstorming on the ways and means to setting up a relevant legal international framework to ensure a world of sustainable peace and security for today’s children and the future ones.

The Vote of Thanks was given by Dr Ashok Nigam, President, Avadh Bar Association who particularly thanked the world judiciary for its support to the efforts of CMS on behalf of world’s children.

The third session of the Conference was held on Sunday, 11 th December 2005 . The session began at 9:00 am with peace song “Building Bridges” by CMS students followed by Children’s Appeal to World Judiciary by a group of 20 CMS students who asked the Judges to ensure elimination of all weapons of mass destruction since they are a threat to the children’s future.

Hon’ble Mr Justice Kamleshwar Nath, Former Judge, Allahabad High Court, India delivered the Welcome Address and pointed out that the issue is not whether there should be a world parliament this is a give in. Now it is a question of how we define our endeavors.

The session was presided over by Hon’ble Mr Justice Vishnu Kant Sahai, Former Judge, Allahabad High Court and Chairman, Law Commission of U.P. who challenged us to think of the futility or utility of our efforts. His speech reminded us to continue to work towards mobilizing public opinion which can indeed bring about world parliament but further reminded us that work we have to work not just top down but also bottom up. He also said , “We’ll have a World Parliament; we’ll have an International Court, we’ll have the nations big or small respecting the laws made by the World Parliament and the decisions handed out by the International Court. The world would become a better place to live in.”

Then Hon’ble Justice Saiduzzman Siddiqui, Former Chief Justice of Pakistan, reiterated the sixty year old ineffectiveness of the United Nations and therefore its increasing irrelevance reminded us of the need for better leadership, statesmanship, understanding and cooperation to address issues that cannot be solved by national governments alone.

Hon’ble Justice Kemal Bedri, President, Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia, pointed out why global problems require global solutions. He said there was no point in having agreements that amount to nothing. Enforceability, he emphasized, is critical. He underscored, therefore, the importance of building a critical mass to create, as this forum is doing, an enforceable international law.

Hon’ble Justice Ms Vida Petrovic Skero, President of the Supreme Court of Serbia said, “This noble Conference is focused on the well-being of the child in the world. Having in mind the highest ranking, position I hold in the judicial branch in my country, I will use all my personal and professional influence to help realization of the protection for the child rights in the most efficient and comprehensive way, through the instruments of the national and international law, which could be directly applied in my country. I would like to use this opportunity to express my sincere respect and gratitude to all those who have devoted themselves to this goal and all those that came here today to improve the lives of our children. I am indeed proud to be the part of this gathering today!”

In the afternoon session, delivering the Keynote Address, Hon Mr Justice B. J. Odoki, Chief Justice of Uganda said, “The International law which has created a “lawless world” is incapable of protecting the two billion children on earth to whom this Conference and endeavour is dedicated, from the dangers and threats posed, by proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, international terrorism, genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, environmental degradation and ecological disasters, among others. Children who are the most vulnerable members of society, must be assured of a safe and secure future, free from fear and want, through the elimination of these threats “. He also said that an enforceable international law must be based on the rule of law, i.e. no person high or low is above law and that law must be predictable, acceptable, enforceable.

Hon’ble Justice D P Singh, Judge, Allahabad High Court, pointed out the paucity and therefore, an urgent need, as examples from Ethiopia and Serbia here today shared, to work out such ways and means to bring about fairness and justice to become enforceable not at the cost of others. Unfortunately such an international law lacks sometimes moving away from vested interest group.

The Chief Guest of the Session, Ms Ela Gandhi, President of the Gandhi Satyagraha Trust spoke of a holistic approach and the interconnectedness to emphasize interconnectedness of all peoples. She reminded that violence will lead to more violence as we saw in Serbia and former Yugoslavia, there were no winners. We need to find non-violent approaches. Non-violence requires more courage than violence. All actions are against the deed not against the person. The idea, the goal is to transform and most importantly, that every human being is capable of transformation.

Need for compliance should be based not on severity of action but on acceptance of compliance. This was pointed out by Hon’ble Justice A R N Fernando, Judge, Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. He beautifully articulated why such consensual compliance is a powerful way and in fact necessary for the smooth functioning of the international community. He also said, “The type of the new organisation to replace the old has already cast its shadow in the form of the European Union with its own Parliament and enforceable legislation. The models may even come from Africa or Asia. In conclusion may I say that the time has come for change, and that change must take into account the just requirements of all people including the generations to come.”

Hon’ble Ms Constance T Simeolane, Minister of Education, Swaziland, was very complimentary of the CMS efforts and endorsed the plea of the children. She said intervention can begin by speaking out and supporting existing institutional and legal frameworks and mechanisms to make nations accountable for their own actions that will bring all their members to book without fear or favor. She said, “The world's two billion children and generations, yet unborn, are crying out for help. Their wailing voices, are pleading to those who have the power and authority to intervene and put an end to this madness. The chief justices of the world and all people of goodwill have been given an awesome challenge. How we all respond will demonstrate our worth. We shall and must be evaluated on the basis of our response. Let us not be wanting, lest history judges us harshly. Let us live to the challenge and trumpet the cause every waking moment so that the children's pleas are not in vain.”

Hon’ble Justice Mr Sharada Prasad Pandit, Judge, Supreme Court of Nepal, who was representing Rt. Honorable Chief Justice of Nepal Mr. Dilip Kumar Paudel, made a powerful case for dealing with the terrible malaise of this millennium – the eradication of poverty, the terrible conditions in which children live – should be part of every agenda on international law. He also said, “We should have ideas and suggestions for Global Law Making Body to amend the CRC, ICCPR, ICESCR and other related conventions to add the methodology for implementation of the important provisions of the respective conventions, I think, the concepts and principles only are more focused in the conventions but the detail methods and procedures for cooperation and assistance, which should be followed step by step by both developed and developing member countries of the United Nations to uplift the standard of living and to eradicate poverty, should also be added in the form of amendment.”

Hon’ble Ms Justice Datin Paduka Hajjah Hayati, Judge, Supreme Court, Brunei Darussalam, who was representing Hon’ble Mr Justice Dato Seri Paduka Mohammed Saied , Chief Justice, High Court of Brunei Darussalam , said that even they have no article similar to Article 51 of the Constitution of India, but she identifies with its goal. Issues affecting children are everyone’s business, she said. This being a useful forum, through assistance of national laws, if we want to create lasting peace we must begin with the children and this is a reminder in the words of Mahatma Gandhi. She also said, “I sincerely laud the untiring efforts of the organizers in promoting international co-operation and unity, particularly towards the protection of the children of the world. The matters to be discussed at the conference are of great relevance at such a crucial time when recent/current international events, must inevitably raise international concerns on safety and future of the children of the world, particularly in places where homes are destroyed and people killed leaving behind countless orphans with nowhere to go.”

Hon’ble Ms Justice Ajjibraimova Ajjamal Musratbekovna, Judge, Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz Republic made a passionate appeal and hoped that the fruits of this important work would be eaten by our children.

Hon’ble Mr Justice G M Chimasula Phiri, Judge President, High Court of the People’s Republic of Malawi, who was representing Honourable Justice L. E. Unyolo, Chief Justice of Malawi , talked on several issues including that this was a high time to act now, a new consciousness is needed, litigation to promote accountability and legitimacy of legal processes, and a reminder that an enforceable international law requires a partial sacrifice of sovereignty. He also said, “ We live in an unsettled age, beset by threats of terrorism, unilateral action by super powers, massive ecological destruction, unsustainable lifestyles, endemic poverty, disease, squabbles, wars, genocide, selective application of international law, and weapons of mass destruction (despite the end of the cold war). The risks our children and future generations face are, therefore, unprecedented. This scenario is attributed to the fact that the framers of the United Nations Charter failed to devise a ‘common thread’ for binding member countries into one global family. In the absence of a common thread the UNO has become an organization of disunited nations. The actions of the countries with veto power causes fear and suspicion among other countries that seek similar powers by resorting to unconventional and heinous means of conflict resolution. It is in this context that there has been a growing demand for more enforceable international law. We need a new system of enforceable international law because the UN system has not been effective in solving the ever-increasing world problems.”

Mr Justice Mohammad Awlad Ali, Judge, High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, reminded us that no fundamental differences between people should exist and they should be in respect as articulated in Article 51 similar as Article 25 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh that should be extended in all countries. He also said, “To bring an end to that and also for establishing peace and tranquility for sake of future generation, the comity of nations must agree to a resolution for Enforcement of International laws, Treaty obligation and by their concerted efforts must take measure for eradicating poverty, illiteracy, and all forms of discrimination to establish justice in the global society. Therefore, it has now become imperative to make the international law enforceable for safe- guarding the human beings, particularly the future generation.”

Hon’ble Mr Justice O Zandraa, Senior Justice, Supreme Court of Mongolia, who was representing Hon’ble Mr Justice Ch Ganbat, Chief Justice of Mongolia, highlighted the importance of having a local instrument for the protection of children and by extension, therefore, a global instrument. He also said, “I commend the students of the City Montessori School who, representing two billion children of the world, initiated this noble campaign for peace for the present and future generations of children… I wholeheartedly applaud Mr. Jagdish Gandhi and other organizers of the Conference and wish the Conference every success in its deliberations.”

Hon’ble Madam Justice Anita Usaka, Judge, International Court of Justice was represented by Hon’ble Mr Reinhold Gallmetzer, Legal Officer, Trial Division, International Criminal Court, who made a multimedia presentation on her behalf which reminded everyone that ICC can be an effective tool, including to protect the rights of children and women. This despite the fact that several states still prefer to do as they will and deal with these international matters internally but there are a 100 members and India unfortunately is not. So he wishes for India to ratify the ICC’s statutes.

Hon’ble Mr Justice January Henri Msoffe, Judge, Court of Appeals, Tanzania, who was representing Hon'ble Mr Justice Barnabas A. Samatta, Chief Justice of Tanzania wanted to consider making existing instruments including an effective UN. He also said, “We must work towards the establishment of international law which is capable of being enforced. This can be achieved if there are effective institutions to enforce it. We need institutions which are capable of ordering sanctions if there is non-compliance.”

Hon’ble Mr Justice Mikhail Gogishvili, Deputy Chairman, Supreme Court of Georgia wanted joint action by nations and says that those today are more than a powerful nation acting on its own. He also said, “ There is no doubt that international law increasingly gains importance in the national legal system of different states. However, due to various factors, States still fail to implement international law norms and thus fail to fully enjoy the wide range of benefits offered by international law. Taking into account all the above stated, it may be argued that the desired international legal order can solely be approached by way of compliance with international legal norms and firm cooperation among the States to that end.”

The Vote of Thanks was given by Dr Sunita Sygtryggsson who briefly summarized the main points from the speeches of all the speakers. The gathering then broke for lunch.

After the lunch, the Closing Session was held in the afternoon of Sunday, 11 th December 2005 . The session began with peace song “Let all the world be united” by CMS students followed by meditation and prayer by Ms Bernadette Fidelis Trattner from USA. This was followed by presentation of Children’s Appeal to World Judiciary by a group of 22 students asking that their Right to a Safe Future be ensured.

Dr T. P. Amerasinghe, President, World Constitution and Parliamentary Association presided over the session. In his Presidential Address, he said, “This movement to win the support of the World’s Judiciary for the Appeal on behalf of the world’s two billion children and generations yet unborn.” for a duly constituted World Parliament empowered to children’s right to inherit a safe and healthy ecology and protecting them from nuclear and eco threats and international Terrorism” has grown stronger with each succeeding Conference.” He also said, “The inexorable need of the hour is that we should work for the establishment of a duly constituted World Parliament empowered to enact enforceable International Law. This leads us to the need for a World Federation and a Democratic Federal World Government.”

The Keynote Address for the session was delivered by Hon’ble Mr Justice C. G. Weeramantry, Former Vice President, International Court of Justice who said, “In his Chief Guests address, Hon’ble Mr Justice M. L. Lehohla, Chief Justice of Lesotho said in his speech, “ The recognition and acceptance of children’s rights in international and regional treaties is a work of sufficient consensus among nations of the world that nations have to move from mere ratification to concrete realization and enforcement. Our children must not, therefore, be held hostage by the vagaries of international super-power politics that often cripple compliance with the rule of law through the UN Security Council and the General Assembly… I venture to suggest that one of the ways in which the UN bodies can carry forward the struggle for a safe future for children is to provide a forum for direct participation by children themselves. Thus the emerging idea of “children’s parliaments” has to be taken seriously developed and given due regard and positively developed.”

Hon’ble Mr Justice Izbillo Khojaev, Chairman of the Supreme Court of Tajikistan who spoke in Russian while a translator translated in English) said in his speech, “It should be pointed out that courts of all the states fulfill the only noble task important for the society. They ensure the social justice in the society. Rights and freedoms of citizens are of the highest value in the society and their protection is an honourable task of courts of all the states. Therefore, courts should not be separated from each other by an impassable wall. They should be free and independent when carrying out their sacred and noble goal and the international community should promote its achievement.”

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Athanase Tshibanda Ntoka, Judge of the Supreme Court, The Democratic Republic of Congo (who spoke in French while a translator translated to Englsih) said in his speech, “It is without question that the lives of men have to be in harmony with that of other species. Protection of nature is the same as protecting the men, depleting natural resources deprives the man of a durable development. In addition to child as being alone is entitled to the care of health, has food with leisure, it will have to receive, has all the levels of its evolution, an environmental education to forge in him the love of nature. Lastly, future of the child depends especially on the respect of international laws and the reinforcement of the constraint without which peace in the world will be only one vain word.”

The Hon’ble Mrs Justice Marie Madeleine Mborantsuo, President, Constitutional Court of the Gabonese Republic was represented by Hon’ble Mr Quentin Baptiste Christian, Secretary General, Constitutional Court of Gabon who said in his presentation, “Is it necessary to underline more before in this gigantic company, the persons in charge for the legal institutions of the World have the pressing duty to work at the sides of the latter to support their efforts by saying the right and by applying it in all its rigor.”

Hon’ble Mr Justice Hilario G. Davide Jr, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of The Philippines was represented by the Head, Public Information Office of his Court, Hon’ble Mr Ismael G. Khan. Judge Davide said in his speech, “Enforceable international law on the issue of children’s rights is not only an idea but an ideal, a lofty goal that we should all endeavor to attain. The need to ensure that future generations inherit a healthy and peaceful world is a responsibility that must be shouldered by all nations.”

The speech of Hon’ble Mr Justice Vytautus Greicius, President, Supreme Court of Lithuania was presented through his representative Hon. Mr Raimondas Baksys, Director, National Courts Administration of Lithuania. In the presentation Justice Greicius said, “The Rights of the Child and the necessity for their special protection are enshrined in numerous international global and regional documents, the most significant of which is the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. By acceding to this international convention, which covers the majority of the world’s territory, a great number of countries have pledged to nurture the children’s rights enshrined therein… With total confidence in the success of this Conference, I would like to wish its participants and guests to raise the most pressing questions and find answers to them, as this is bound to contribute to ensuring the turn of the beautiful vision of a safe world, as expressed in contemporary international law, into reality .There is no doubt that this is not only an issue of law or morals-it is the issue related with the survival of both the mankind and the world. The more so that awareness of this responsibility is a guarantee for our future and for the future of our children.”

Hon’ble Mr Justice G. G. Chidyausiku, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Zimbabwe was represented by Hon’ble Madam Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza, Judge, Court of Appeal , Zimbabwe who said in her speech, “ There is a time for everything. The events around the word clearly demonstrate that ‘Enforceable international law is an idea whose time has come.’ The world is in the grip of devastating wars and conflicts that are inflicting untold hardships on the citizens of the world, particularly the children. These wars and conflicts could have been prevented by enforceable international law. The absence of enforceable international law has raised unilateralism to unacceptable levels. The need to restore multilateralism under the rule of enforceable international law is today’s imperative. The City Montessori School is to be highly commended for initiating the move to the return to the rule of international law will be fruitful.”

Parallel to the Chief Justices’ Conference was held the Global Symposium for NGOs and peace promoters on the theme “Towards a New World Order” wherein discussions were held under five separate groups. The leaders of the group presented their findings at the concluding session of the Chief Justices Conference, after the speech of Hon’ble Madam Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza. The presentation began with a brief introduction of the Global Symposium by Mr Raj Shekhar Chandola,Head of the CMS World Unity and Peace Education Department who said that the time for speeches was over and action is long overdue. He said humanity is sitting on a ticking time bomb and the countdown has begun. We urgently need to take effective measures to tackle global warming and creative international agencies for taking care of eco-refugees, but that can hardly be done unless we have global governance, he said.

This was followed by a presentation by Mr Rob Wheeler of the Coalition for World Parliament and Global Democracy who reminded everyone that t he United Nations has drafted guidelines that if carried out would lead us well on our way towards developing effective strategy plans. Now we need to create a global network of people and civil society organizations that support the development of the National Strategy Plans. We need to take the steps needed to ensure that all countries create such plans, that they all focus on making a rapid transition to achieving full sustainability, that specific means are developed to finance the implementation and transition, and that adequate processes are put in place to review, evaluate, and improve the national plans so that they are faithfully, effectively, and rapidly carried out.

Then Mr Benton Musselwhite of One World Now addressed the Conference. He called on everyone to support a petition for a Charter Review Conference under Article 109 of the UN Charter. He said that with enough international support, a revision of the UN Charter's text could create a more responsive and responsible United Nations.

Ms Eugenia Almand, Secretary of the Provisional World Parliament, spoke of the Assembly of States Parties and of the Provisional World Parliament as an emergent integrating system for the multi-cameral genesis of world statutory legislation. These two deliberative assemblies have been building the statutory basis for the World Court system, based primarily at The Hague. She also urged participants to ratify and support the Earth Constitution.

At the end Mr Jagdish Gandhi, Founder of CMS and Convenor of the Conference presented the Lucknow Declaration December 2005 endorsing the Resolution dated 2 nd August 2005 passed by the Japanese Diet (parliament) supporting the establishment of a World Federation and urging national parliaments throughout the world to pass similar resolutions for ensuring a safer future for world’s children and generations yet unborn. The Lucknow Declaration 2005 was unanimously passed by a show of hands by the participants.