University of Central Florida
October 16, 2014
Mr. David Dumke,
Director of Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Program for Strategic Research Studies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good afternoon,
At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. David Dumke for inviting me here and giving me the opportunity to be part of this timely event marking Diversity Week at the University of Central Florida. The theme of your conference this year could not have been more apt : Promoting Understanding on the International, National and Local level.
It would be stating the obvious to say that the world today is undergoing a period of profound turmoil, radicalization, polarization and violent extremism. It is alarming to see that the majority of conflicts we see broiling on daily basis have a cultural, religious or ethnic dimension from the Central African Republic, Palestine and Nigeria to Iraq, Syria and Myanmar.
Ironically, the simple truth is that today, more than at any other time in history – diversity is the reality that informs and nurtures life ; diversity in nations and cities, tribes and villages, in ethnicities and identities, in beliefs, faiths and traditions.
We often hear the term “we live in a global village” and that we are closer today and more interconnected than ever before. But just because we are more connected does mean that we are more united. To be united in our diversity and to celebrate our shared and common values depends on everyone of us. And here is where the role of the Alliance of Civilizations come to play. The Alliance of Civilizations has become a global platform of action and dialogue.
Just last August, we held our 6th Global Forum in Bali, Indonesia and the theme was : Unity in Diversity. The Alliance provided world leaders, politicians, religious leaders, journalists and the academia as well as grassroot organizations and youth from around the globe with the platform to exchange ideas and engage in a meaningful debate on how to celebrate our shared and common values and how to enhance understanding between the different cultures, faiths and ethnicities. Most of all, we were trying to answer a central question : how to manage diversity and turn it into an incubator of progress, peace and security – locally, nationally and internationally.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Having spent a life time at the UN , I would like to point out that the United Nations was built on the premise that dialogue is the best path leading to peace. That cultural diversity, freedom of thought, respecting each other and our Human Rights, enhances our life.
Hence, the United Nations recognized that our world consists of different faiths and religions.
The UN always expressed its special concern over hatred and religious intolerance, and it took several initiatives to fight these scourges.
The principles of the Alliance of Civilizations are every where in International Law.
For instance, I invite you to take a look at the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, at the 1965 International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of racial discrimination, as well at the many other relevant Human Rights covenants and instruments put in place since 1948.
The Charter of the United Nations reaffirmed the importance of achieving its purposes and principles, in the context of equality and I quote “without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion”
The United Nations was built on those principles.
How to achieve this and apply those principles to our current challenges, defines our task – a vital task.
The principles of coexistence are enshrined in International Law, but we also need the right mechanism to do so, the philosophy of its practical implementation.
The United Nations, through its General Assembly, Human Rights Council and bodies, have endlessly introduced Human Rights resolutions prohibiting discrimination on grounds of religion, race, xenophobia and of related intolerance.
The reason for doing so is clear.
Because peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free.
Because multi-ethnic, multi-faith, multi-lingual and multi-cultural societies are to be viewed as a source of wealth for all humanity. This is diversity.
Therefore we need a strong Alliance of Civilizations to augment our strength for better understanding of one another and foster dialogue with one another.
Ignoring these facts would be inconsistent with our international promises towards our people and would endanger our survival on our planet.
World leaders need to understand that we are living during an era with unprecedented challenges and that we really need to unite.
We simply need to revert to International Law, International human rights law that protects our living in real civilized societies.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations was established at a time when grave tensions rooted in cultural differences gripped our world. It was initiated in 2005 in response to the recommendations of the High-Level Group of eminent personalities widely acknowledged for their wisdom and their prestige. Beyond its immediate purpose, the new institution was intended to equip the United Nations with a new soft power tool of preventive diplomacy to be used to diffuse situations of cultural and identity-based tensions in a world equally blessed and damned by the new paradigm of globalization.
Through various activities in the areas of Youth, Education, Media and Migration, the Alliance is helping in developing visions and strategies to disseminate the message of peace and promote global understanding.
Allow me to reflect for a moment on the work we do at the Alliance :
Much of our work consists of creating avenues of empowerment for marginalized communities, and especially young people. We believe that youth are tomorrow’s leaders these young women and men should be part of the conversation .We empower them through small grants and train them to resolve tensions. When it comes to media, we firmly believe that media shape our perceptions. As such, we try to enhance the level of public debate through skill building workshops and seminars for journalists. Not just in the area of media and youth, but in all areas of programming, our ability to deliver on our goals is based on meaningful partnerships on the ground.
We believe in the role religious leaders, academia, civil society and the corporate sector can play in fostering understanding at all levels, international, national and international.
Ladies and Gentleman,
I can say there is still a long way. However, As educated individuals, diplomats, academics and leaders who understand the challenges of our time, we must build bridges for Humankind that are strong enough to carry the weight of our differences.
Understanding one another and respect for the other, should be our mission. Future generations should be equipped with the tools that will enable them to understand the virtues of tolerance, mutual respect and moderation. Educational institutions, such as UCF and Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd Program for Strategic Research and Studies have already taken many strides in the right direction by organizing an annual forum on Interfaith dialogue.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As an Arab Muslim, I always like to recall what our Prophet peace be upon him said “Shall I not inform you of a better act than fasting, alms, and prayers? Making peace between one another”
How wise was that saying.
Before concluding, let me sincerely thank you once again for giving me this opportunity to be you.
I have worked and will continue to work to promote interfaith dialogue, and mutual understanding.
Thank you.