Not just for diplomatic relations
People quickly shift their tone of voice or even lose their temper whenever a different opinion on a topic is advanced.
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People quickly shift their tone of voice or even lose their temper whenever a different opinion on a topic is advanced.
(Editor's note. This article was written just as the 31st Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum was opening its first session.)
The 31st Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum, or APPF, is being held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City from 23 to 25 November with the theme "Building Resilient Partnerships: Advancing Peace, Prosperity, and Sustainability in the Asia Pacific."
Without a doubt, among the important matters and issues to be discussed will be the West Philippine Sea, particularly China's perceived aggression in Philippine waters against some of our countrymen. In the past months, there have been many reports of questionable treatment by Chinese maritime personnel against our uniformed personnel and fishermen.
The question on everybody's mind naturally is, "How will we relate to the Chinese delegation that will attend the APPF?" Fortunately, this was addressed a day before the scheduled forum as Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri stressed that the Philippines, as a good host, will be "diplomatic" in its actions during discussions.
"Definitely, (the matter) will be tackled in a committee. But as host, of course (because China will also be there), they're sending a delegation (we don't want there to be trouble). We're trying to promote peace and stability, and we'd like to make that a general theme of this conference," Zubiri said in English and Filipino.
He said the forum would instead focus on discussions related to political and security matters, economics and trade, and regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. It will have special discussions among women and young parliamentarians.
"We're hopeful that over the next three days, we will be able to collectively form concrete steps forward as we all work towards shared prosperity in the region," he added.
In connection with these statements by Senator Zubiri, I am reminded of the critical importance of diplomacy in our day-to-day lives and how badly it is missing from our society.
Colin Powell once said, "Diplomacy is listening to what the other guy needs. Preserving your own position but listening to the other guy. You have to develop relationships with other people so when the tough times come, you can work together."
However, diplomacy is rarely displayed and witnessed in people's daily interactions. People quickly shift their tone of voice or even lose their temper whenever a different opinion on a topic is advanced. People can go from "How are you?" to "How dare you?" with just a finger snap.
This behavior pattern can be seen especially when discussing polarizing topics such as politics or religion, but also when people debate the mundane, such as the best basketball team in the UAAP or which restaurant serves the tastiest fried chicken.
This behavior is unsustainable for human beings and is unhealthy for the community simply because we will never really agree on everything. There will always be issues, subjects, and matters that will bring forth differing opinions and contradicting points of view among us.
If everyone lacks diplomacy when disagreeing or discussing differences, there will come a time when people will shy away from sharing their ideas and insights, which would have otherwise inspired us or opened our minds to new things or a different appreciation of the facts.
The answer to differing opinions is more dialogue and respect for one another (about which I earlier wrote in a separate article), not that lazy response of cancel culture or the impulsive reaction of getting angry. Cancel culture is when people myopically shun or attack others who had merely said things to which the former are opposed.
Diplomacy is not just necessary in relations among nations and leaders. It must be displayed firmly in our daily lives by us ordinary people. Every day, we deal with people who have different opinions or beliefs. I am not saying this just because I am a lawyer who has dealt with opposing counsel in the past. This is true regardless of profession or social position.
We must learn to respect other people regardless of what they are saying. Such a respectful attitude towards others lets us know more and widen our horizons.
Let us then practice diplomacy in our daily lives.
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