PRESS RELEASE
April 5, 2019
PATO BANTON & ANTOINETTE ROOTSDAWTAH APPOINTED AS GOODWILL AMBASSADOR OF THE GOLDEN RULE
United Religions Initiative (URI)-Africa appointed the renowned reggae musicians Pato Banton & Antoinette Rootsdawtah as Goodwill Ambassadors of the Golden Rule.
The appointment is in recognition of their tireless efforts in promoting through music a culture of peace, unity, interfaith harmony, human dignity, unity, and compassion. It is for being a living example of the teaching of the Golden Rule, which says, “Treat others the way you want to be treated” in different parts of the world, through their music.
The appointment is also in acknowledgement of over a decade’s public presence, lifetime unconditional service to humanity, motivational and inspirational teaching delivered to the youth, and transcending music to convey a positive, spiritual message, as well as promoting the spirit of world citizenship.
The Golden Rule calls us to extend our concern beyond ourselves and to embrace a greater understanding and respect for others, and recognizing human dignity. It is a universal message which is accepted and embraced throughout the world by different religions, cultures and secular philosophies.
Golden Rule is a way to disarm fear, to open the world for better change, to lay the foundations for lasting peace, and to overcome hate speech and violent extremism.
The teaching of the Golden Rule, “Treat others the way you want to be treated,” summarizes the basic teachings of compassion, non-violence, respect, honouring the dignity of all living beings, social justice, equal rights, inter-religious and inter-cultural harmony, and peaceful co-existence. It is the best guide we have to help peoples of the world to live together in mutual respect and harmony. It is a preventive mechanism against discrimination, violence, crime, war, and the violation of human rights.
Since 2007, every year URI-Africa appoints an individual or organizations who are a living example of the teaching of the Golden Rule as Goodwill Ambassadors of the Golden Rule.
Let us be the change we want to see in the world by living according to the teaching of the Golden Rule.
May Peace and Golden Rule Prevail on Earth.
Amb. Mussie Hailu
Director of Global Partnership & Representative at the UN and
Africa Union and Regional Director for Africa, United Religions Initiative