‘Cultural Diversity is the Key Driver for Accomplishing UNMDGs’- IIMSAM Official Dr. Naseer Homoud

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) May 20, 2011 --

Commemorating the World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development Dr. Naseer Homoud, Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Intergovernmental Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council said “the celebrations to mark the day are not only aimed at promoting the recognition, by all, of the critical role of culture in sustainable development but most importantly highlighting the importance of protecting and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions”. He added “on this day, IIMSAM salutes the remarkable progress made to date entrenching in international law the right of States to apply cultural policies in support of their domestic cultures”.

The Goodwill Ambassador while addressing the gathering highlighted background and importance of observing world day for culture diversity for dialogue and development. He said the world today is facing many problems whether it is economical, political or social and clashes of different culture and civilization. He said that these clashes are retroactive and the common man is sufferer and thousands of innocent people die due to this sin. He stressed that the world leaders should sit together and talk positively, openly and sincerely over issues pertaining to peace, progress prosperity and development and see that the dialogue are result oriented.

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is annually held on May 21 to help people learn about the importance of cultural diversity and harmony. May 21 marks the commemoration of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. This day, founded by the United Nations of Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), was created with the purpose of creating a better understanding, acceptance, and appreciation among different cultures worldwide. UNESCO believes the path to peace can be found through simple dialogue among different cultures. The Day is intended to provide individuals and groups worldwide with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the values of Cultural Diversity and to learn to live together better. With the coming together of several traditions and practices, a day dedicated to cultural diversity for dialogue and development has become significant. World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development has been recognized world over and it is marked with celebration through exchange of cultural nuances and practices. It also leads to a greater goodwill as it helps in uniting nations torn apart due to political and cultural differences. This further leads to sustainable development, economic development and peaceful co-existence.
"The more we are open to diverse culture, more we can live together better, diversity is not confined to religion, ethnicity, color, or language but also in food, dress, attitudes, and music”, said Dr. Homoud. He went on to say “it is an opportunity for people to learn to live together with other cultural groups in a harmonious way and to increase their knowledge of the importance of cultural diversity”.

Dr. Homoud urged that while remarkable progress has been made to date, major work remains to realize the full legal and political potential of the 2005 Convention. The base of countries ratifying the Convention must continue to grow in order to ensure balanced regional representation across UNESCO’s 193 member States. And the implementation of the Convention must take on the challenge of promoting the principles and objectives of the Convention in other international forums. “In today’s world marked by the daily encounter with new codes and symbols as the banners of globalization, nationalization, and religious intolerance, it seems that the need for cultural dialogue and to learn to live together better, has never been so essential”, said Dr. Homoud.

Marinating that cultural diversity cannot be successful without respect for human rights; the Goodwill Ambassador said “the bottom line principle is that we should believe in the liberty of the individual under the law, in equal rights for all citizens regardless of gender, race, color, creed or political belief”. He called on governments to sign and ratify international protocols such as the 1966 United Nations International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Dr. Naseer Homoud     IIMSAM