Only five people in the Western Hemisphere have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; four were on campus Oct. 11 as guests of the International Leadership of the Americas program. It marked an occasion Moderator Jim Wright, former Speaker of the House, called “an honor.”

Addressing an audience of 53 student leaders from 11 universities throughout the Americas, as well as a large contingent of TCU students and folks from the community, the four distinguished world leaders left two overriding messages: Peace is hard work, and one person can make a difference.

“There is nothing glamorous or idealistic about peace, and there are no quick and easy answers to obtain it,” said Laureate Oscar Arias Sanchez, former president of Costa Rica. “Peace begins, not out there, but with each of us. We all have the power to do something.”

Arias opened the evening by noting that “. . . darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

“I want to remind you tonight that there are many crisis in the world, but they do not make the news,” Arias said. “We need to begin to address the crisis of poverty that plagues humanity.”

Laureate Jody Williams, who was recognized for her work banning and clearing land mines, echoed Arias’ comments by noting that this is “. . . a horrible, delicate moment for the globe.”

“We will not resolve the terrorism until we resolve the fundamental inequalities of this world,” she said. “It is the fundamental responsibility of this country to eradicate that element of terror.

“One person can spark a movement. I believe real leadership is caring enough to get up and take the first step. I can assure you if you do, you will make a difference,” she added.

Adolfo Perez Esquivel, 1980 prize winner from Argentina, said being a leader means walking together with the people.

“What we have to do is make possible what seems to be impossible,” he said. “(Peace) is something we need to have within because we can’t offer others what we don’t have.”

Laureate Norman Borlaug, father of the “Green Revolution” told students how to be part of the solution. “Learn while you are here all you can about science and technology, then use your talents to reach for the stars,” he said. “And when you do, it will be to the benefit of your neighbors, and friends and the world.”