Hon. Tony Loffreda: Honourable senators, Russia’s reprehensible invasion of Ukraine continues amid mounting atrocities, making it more important than ever to promote international peace, security and prosperity, particularly to our young people who may not comprehend just how serious the consequences of this kind of conflict can be.

That is why I immediately agreed to participate in the second International Forum on Peace, Security and Prosperity, a hybrid event happening today and tomorrow. Hundreds of participants are gathered in Italy for the occasion.

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For two days, the Peace, Security & Prosperity, or PSP, Forum will unite military and political leaders, policy-makers, researchers, students and the wider public to explore the role of the military and the institutions of public order and justice in establishing the basis for flourishing peace, stable security and increasing prosperity. In other words, what does it take to make, and, more importantly, to keep and protect, world peace?

As Canadians, it’s easy to take for granted these three elements that are part of our DNA. We are privileged to live in a just and democratic society where the rule of law prevails and our rights and freedoms are protected under the Constitution. Recent world events have shown us just how precious and fragile democracy can be.

In just a couple of years, Stephen Gregory, the co-founder and chairman of the forum, and his dedicated team of officials and volunteers have successfully and considerably expanded the reach of this event. Today’s forum will feature representatives from 32 countries, 23 military academies and approximately 75 high schools representing some 2,000 students, along with many distinguished guests, academics and military personnel.

Beyond the various panels and keynote speeches, one of the highlights of the forum is a student essay and video contest that I will be moderating. Students have been given three topics to choose from with the focus of civil-military cooperation. It will be an honour for me to engage with these students tomorrow morning and exchange ideas on how to achieve and maintain peace in the world.

In my view, the Government of Canada should take note of this important conference and consider establishing a more formal partnership, financial or otherwise, with the PSP Forum, so it can continue to offer high-value educational opportunities for our youth and build strong links with citizens around the world who share the common goals of promoting peace, improving security and ensuring prosperity.

Honourable senators, please join me in congratulating the organizing committee for hosting the second International Forum on Peace, Security & Prosperity and for assembling such an impressive program.

Thank you.

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