The message of real peace was to ensure respect for our diversity and differences, the SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, said yesterday.
Mr Hume MP, MEP gave the keynote address at conferring ceremonies for students of the American College, Dublin, at which he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Lynn University, Florida.
He said it was a source of constant strength to him when recognition was given to his work for peace.
More important, though, was that the honorary degree represented a further expression of the continued interest and support from the US where there had been real friends of the peace process down many difficult years.
Speaking on a theme of the appreciation of diversity in the world of the 21st century, Mr Hume said Ireland was going through momentous change.
"I believe that we in Northern Ireland have learned the lessons of the past and that we have now set out on a new and better path."
Through the agreement they were moving into a new era of real partnership and true equality, an era in which diversity could become the very essence of their shared humanity. He was certain they would succeed.
"All conflict is about difference, whether it is nationality, race or religion. The answer to difference, therefore, is to respect it, not fight about it."
He said nobody chose to be born into any particular community. It was an accident of birth and should never become the source of hatred or division.
He was a strong advocate of the EU. During the last century after the world wars, principles of respect, tolerance, partnership and the development of common economic interests seemed completely unobtainable. Yet within a few years the understanding that human beings could not live apart prevailed.
In 2001, the EU stood as the most vibrant testimony to the ideal that we were all better working with each other and for each other.
"Respect for difference is, therefore the first principle of the EU. It is a fundamental principle that has guided me through life."
Those attending the ceremonies at St Anne's Church, Dawson Street, included the US Ambassador, Mr Richard Egan, and his wife, Mrs Maureen Egan, many ambassadors, former President of Ireland Dr Patrick Hillery, his wife Dr Maeve Hillery, Mrs Pat Hume, and dignitaries from the college and other educational institutions.
The dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dr Robert McCarthy, and the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto, led prayers before and after the ceremonies.
A peace scholarship programme at the college presented its first two students for graduation.
Founded in 1996, it enables students from both sides of the religious divide in Northern Ireland to receive an education which will help them realise their goals and help to make peace a reality.