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Group holds intercultural dialogue for peace, development

No fewer than 100 representative officials from countries across the world, including Canada, Austria, Colombia, the Republic of Senegal, and the State of Qatar gathered at the United Nations headquarters in New York on May 31, to discuss on the agenda of peace and development.

Participants at the event

No fewer than 100 representative officials from countries across the world, including Canada, Austria, Colombia, the Republic of Senegal, and the State of Qatar gathered at the United Nations headquarters in New York on May 31, to discuss on the agenda of peace and development.

Organised as a collective effort of the diverse sectors of the global society in commemoration of ‘2018 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development’, the event was attended by heads of social organisations, religious leaders, women groups, youth, and media.

The conference aimed to reinforce international cooperation to ensure intercultural dialogue as a foundation for effective exercise of universal human rights, responding to the necessity of the measure for integrating cultural diversity into development frameworks and policies.

By sharing experiences to promote cultural diversity and its potential, H.E. Mr. Francisco Alberto Gonzalez of Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Colombia said: “My countries have gone through one of the longest armed conflicts in our hemisphere. Two Colombias— one with a strong state presence, and the other with a series of inequalities and no opportunities. That is why recognising our opportunities and dialogues are needed. We, a very diverse country, know by experience that disarmament is not enough to create peace. We must not underestimate the need for peace and stable development.”

“Intercultural dialogue is necessary to bring peace and development. Media and education programmes can effect to develop intercultural dialogue. I would also like to highlight the role of religious and political leaders to make positive influences and exchange whatever is good for humankind,” said H.E. Mr. Jan Kickert, Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Austria.

Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL, an international peace NGO, urged for the cooperation and support of UN officials in ensuring sustainable peace through implementation of the international law for peace, saying, “I’ve gone all around the world and had a number of agreements with former and current presidents, chief justices, and members of the National Assembly to end the war together. All leaders should sign the agreement for the international law to achieve peace, if they love their countries and people. To do this, the United Nations must work together to accomplish the task of peace with its spirit of peace at its inception.”

HWPL, meaning ‘Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light’ has initiated projects in 120 countries for conflict resolution and peacebuilding, which includes promotion of international law for peace, interfaith dialogues, youth empowerment, and peace education.

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