Remarks
By
H.E Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
(Delivered on his behalf by Ms. Nihal Saad, Chief of Cabinet)
At
The High-level Symposium
On
The Synergies Along the Silk Road for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
I am honored to address this important symposium on behalf of the High Representative. HE Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser who is sending his warmest regards.
Here are his remarks:
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, I would like to thank you for inviting the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations to this timely symposium.
Let me begin by recognizing the significant role that the hosts of this meeting are playing in advancing the agenda of the United Nations in general and the 2030 Agenda in particular, namely the Turkic-speaking states of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey. The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations is proud of its partnership and close cooperation with each of these countries at the government level and at the non-governmental level. It goes without saying that Turkey, a co-sponsor of UNAOC stands out for its political and financial support of the Alliance since its inception. Our cooperation with the Government of Azerbaijan started few years back and it continues to grow stronger as our 7th Global Forum is round the corner this coming April in Baku.
Kazakhstan is one of the key players in the region in the area of strengthening the role of religious leaders in promoting dialogue for peace and I had the honor to participate in the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions this past June. And we are preparing to welcome Kyrgystan as the newest member of UNAOC Group of Friends as we look forward to our mutual collaboration.
We are truly living in a dynamic moment in history. It would be stating the obvious to say that sustainable development is essential to maintaining global peace and security.
The process of globalization is transforming societies, making them increasingly diverse and interconnected. Vast new opportunities for exchange between different people and diverse cultures arose.
The crisis that shook the global economy since 2008 has accelerated the rise of culture in development policies. Governments worldwide must rethink strategies for growth and seek to identify new sources of vitality.
The adoption by the UN member states of the historic and transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development last September, puts forward ambitious development goals for all countries and provides new opportunities for international development cooperation.
As such, the revival of the silk road offers the perspective of new dynamics that extend beyond Central Asia and the Caucasus. The two edges of the ancient Silk Road were Europe and China, the New Silk Road connects Asia’s Far East and Africa. What is of utmost significance here, is that behind the economic cooperation entailed in the Silk Road, is the dialogue at work between diverse civilizations and cultures, that of Europe, Asia, Eurasia and Africa.
In a world threatened today by the clash of civilizations and the clash of ignorance , the synergies along the Silk Road is the demonstration that cultures can cross-fertilize. I believe that the New Silk Road is also an anticipation of new productive exchanges and encounters and the promise of future harmonies.
Thank you.