Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the High-Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
New York, 4 July 2014
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 238th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, on July 4th.
Americans who have been in the United States for generations, alongside newly naturalized Americans and those visiting or residing in the country temporarily, come together, bond and celebrate the ideals and values on which the country was founded on the Fourth of July. The holiday gives everyone in the United States an opportunity to honor the country’s traditions and history while remaining true to their roots — whatever their roots may be— and incorporating elements of other cultures into this celebration. This is a beautiful occasion, and it demonstrates just one example of how many cultures can simultaneously be represented and respected under the umbrella of diversity.
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, by rejecting extremism and embracing diversity.
Let us all celebrate together, and embrace an interdependence that will lead to a freer, more prosperous, and more peaceful world.