Read this excerpt from irish politician john hume's speech after winning the nobel prize. which phrase presents a solution for cultural conflicts between ethnic groups around the world? all conflict is about difference, whether the difference is race, religion or nationality. the european visionaries decided that difference is not a threat, difference is natural. difference is of the essence of humanity. difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. the answer to difference is to respect it. therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace—respect for diversity. . i have seen the friendship of irish and british people transcend . . all narrower political differences. we are two neighbouring islands whose destiny is to live in friendship and amity with each other.