NEW YORK – Discussions on the importance of democracy and human rights featured prominently in the 6th Ministerial Conference of the Community of Democracies, held last week in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The conference also occasioned the awarding of the Mark Palmer Prize to seven diplomats for their achievements. U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and United Nations High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations Jorge Sampaio were among the keynote speakers, in a gathering of diplomats and ambassadors from various countries. In his remarks, President Sampaio emphasized intercultural dialogue and cooperation as key elements to mitigating conflicts and tensions in an increasingly diverse world. He also highlighted the need for governments, lawmakers, local authorities, civil society, the media, and individuals to continue to work together in efforts to promote peace, trust and understanding between different communities.
The conference was hosted by Her Excellency Dalia Grybauskaitè and His Excellency Audronius Aubalis, President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania respectively.
To read the speech by Sampaio please see: [PDF]