Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
New York, 4 July 2013
On behalf of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAoC), I would like to extend my warm regards to the people and Government of the United States of America, our host country, on the 237th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th.
The Fourth of July embodies the ideals and values on which the United States was founded. The Declaration of Independence proclaimed that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, and that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
These concepts of equality, freedom , democracy and human rights have become universal values, as we are united by our common hopes and aspirations for a better world.
In that sense, and in line with the principles of the UN Charter, the UN Alliance of Civilizations aims at working towards a more peaceful, more socially inclusive world by building respect among peoples of different cultural and religious identities, rejecting extremism and embracing diversity.
Again, I would like to join with the American people in their celebrations on this day. Let us all celebrate and embrace our interdependence on making a freer, more prosperous and more peaceful world.