Serbian scholar Mrs. Mona Youssef stated that `Salam’ is an Arabic word meaning “peace.” It is one of the principles that Islam has put its roots deep inside Muslims. Today, “peace” is part of the structure of Islamic communities and in fact, it is the end goal of Islam on the earth.

 The full speech is as follows:
Greetings to participants in the unity conference.
All praises be to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. Prayers and salutations be upon our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his infallible household and noble companions.
My Lord! Uplift my heart for me, and make my task easy, and remove the impediment from my tongue so people may understand my speech.
 Really, Islam is the religion of leniency, passion and peace. Islam is a very strong idea, overwhelmed by all social virtues and human goodness. `Salam’ is an Arabic word meaning “peace.” It is one of the principles that Islam has put its roots deep inside Muslims. Today, “peace” is part of the structure of Islamic communities and in fact, it is the end goal of Islam on the earth. “Islam” and “Salam” cause peace and comfort. It would not at all be a surprise to look for peace and friendship in the word “Islam.” God Almighty puts the word “Salam” as a word for Muslims to salute each other. It will not be wise to speak with anybody unless saying `Salam` first of all. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has also said, “Salam before any speech.” `Salam’ is source of security. Therefore, there should not be any exchange of words unless receiving this security. `Salam’ is a name of God. No doubt, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was assigned to prophethood to establish peace and extend mercy among mankind. His mission was saving mankind from darkness and guiding them towards light and illumination so that all human beings will reach highest level of being a human.
 
You know, all the world countries, especially Arab countries, have been witnessing many wars since Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was assigned to prophethood or even before the assignment. For example, Arab tribes used to fight each other or with other tribes. Sometimes, the wars were for special reason and sometimes there was no special reason. Islam came as a monotheistic religion to save people from dark and of course hard life, transferring them to shores of stability and calm. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) tried his best to keep people away of any war and any action that might lead to war. He looked for a peaceful way of engagement with the opposition. Peace does not mean extinguishing flames of battle because war is included in Islamic laws as well so that Muslims will defend themselves against aggressors. God Almighty has ordered the faithful Muslims to fight in the way of God, which is materialization of peace. God Almighty has ordered Muslims to fight aggressors and help those being invaded.
Peace is a lofty goal, which every human being in four corners of the world looks for it. Peace includes all dimensions and aspects of Muslims’ life. Peace belongs to people, communities, nations and tribes and does not belong to a single spectrum. When peace is established, war and hostility end. We peace comes, tranquility, peace, comfort, freedom, kindness and friendship manifest among people.  Holy Quran and Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) traditions have a series of rules which stand for meaning of peace. The rules serve as international law followed by Muslims all over the world. These rules should be observed so that peace is established. One of the rules is equality. Equality of nations is a must. Islam believes that irrespective of their sex, believe, and color, human beings are rooted in a single principle, which is brotherhood in humanity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “All of you are Adam and Adam is from soil. The most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most pious among you. Arab is not superior to non-Arab unless because of piety.”
Abiding by promise, preventing any aggression and invasion, preferring peace over war unless when necessary, administration of justice, observing fairness and removal of injustice, are among basic rules for materialization of peace and security for nations and different communities. Nobody is entitled in Islam to invade anybody and nobody can do injustice in the case of another person. Islam has always been trying to establish peace and stability among Islamic Ummah as the goal of Islamic rules has been establishment of friendly relations between Muslims and other nations. What Islam brought for materialization of global peace is manifested in strengthening and consolidation of peaceful co-existence, promotion of kindness and friendship among people, elimination of violence and extremism, and promotion of the culture of purposeful dialogue among followers of different religions. This way, problems can be solved and peace can be established among various strata in community of human beings. Global peace has special standing in Islam. Peace is not a private issue or a tribal or national goal. Peace is a global goal. Peace is itself a principle which should be realized in relations among all human beings. God Almighty did not create human beings to be in war and hostility; rather, God Almighty created them to get acquainted and cooperate with each other.