Statement Attributable to
the Spokesperson for the High Representative for
the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
On the Occasion of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
New York – 21 May 2019
Today, 21 May 2019, is World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, an opportunity to embrace our differences and celebrate cultural diversity.
More than ever, diversity is the reality that enriches human life. Diversity means embracing pluralism in nations and cities, tribes and villages, ethnicities and identities, beliefs, and faiths, and traditions. Our cultures are intertwined together in a spectacular mosaic that shapes the universe that we all share. We are all global citizens of the world.
Amid rising culturally-based conflicts, radicalization and xenophobia, we have to recognize that there is a pluralism of civilizations. Each and every one of them has contributed to enriching our common and single humanity. There is unity in our diversity. And there is no alternative to living together in peaceful and inclusive societies. This is Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development, and that is the raison d’être of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).
With its motto “Many Cultures, One Humanity,” UNAOC was created to embrace and promote the value of tolerance and respect of the other.
To live up to that motto, my renewed vision for UNAOC rests in the notion that embracing cultural diversity is inseparable from respect for human dignity. In that spirit, let’s all celebrate the richness and value we find in our diversity.
For queries, please contact:
Ms. Nihal Saad, UNAOC Chief of Cabinet and Spokesperson for the High Representative
saadn@un.org +1 646 255 4664