Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
New York – December 23rd, 2013
As the year 2013 draws to a close, it is fitting for us to take stock of the unique challenges that the international community has faced. Such an assessment should help guide, inform and motivate our efforts and decisions as we prepare to enter the New Year.
Increasingly, we have been witnessing throughout most part of this year, ethnic and culturally-based violent incidents across the globe. These incidents have sparked the fuels of animosity and fed into negative sentiments such as intolerance and xenophobia. These constitute serious challenges to Human Rights and threaten our efforts to achieve our shared goals of peace, security and sustainable development.
As we celebrate the Christmas holidays and prepare to usher the year 2014, let us remember the millions around the world who are suffering from deprivation, harsh climate and poverty.
I would like to commend the efforts of all members of the Alliance Group of Friends for their support for the work of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and encourage them to keep up this momentum.
The United Nations is needed now more than ever before and the International Community has great expectations to that end, particularly those who are still suffering under the scourge of prolonged conflicts, oppression and injustice.
I take this opportunity to wish all UN Member States and people around the world Happy Holidays and a peaceful and prosperous 2014.