Press Statement Attributable to the
Spokesperson of the High Representative for UNAOC
on the Occasion of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
21 May 2023, New York
Today, as the international community marks the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (A/RES/57/249), the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) celebrates cultural diversity as a driving force for achieving sustainable peace and development.
More than ever, amid escalating conflicts and volatile identity-based tensions, UNAOC underscores that diversity is the reality that enriches human life. Recognizing the pluralism of civilizations, UNAOC upholds its motto “Many Cultures, One Humanity” by building bridges of dialogue between multiple cultures and faiths.
Indeed, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is a special day for UNAOC. Since its inception in 2005, UNAOC has fostered intercultural dialogue by promoting the humanistic values of respect, understanding, social inclusion, and living together in solidarity as #OneHumanity.
Despite our efforts, radicalization, racism, and xenophobia have continued to persist, driving a wedge between cultures and making sustainable peace an unattainable goal. However, cultural diversity should be viewed not as a source of division, but rather as the connective tissue that binds our increasingly multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual world. Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and imperative to achieve peace and stability.
On this day and every day, UNAOC reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the bonds between cultures, faiths, and communities, and deepening humanity’s understanding of the value of cultural diversity as a richness rather than a threat.