'Cultural Diversity is the Key Driver for Accomplishing UNMDGs'- IIMSAM Official Dr. Naseer Homoud
IIMSAM Middle East Director & Goodwill Ambassador Dr. Naseer Homoud message on World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. He urged that Cultural Diversity is an important tool for realization of UNMDGs.
- (1888PressRelease) May 21, 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.
"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. Homoud maintained that cultural diversity for development is at core of efforts aiming accomplishment of United Nations Millennium Development Goals. He said " world will not be able to meet the targets set for the Millennium Development Goals until the strategic priorities conform to its specific, diverse and complex socio-economic, political and cultural realities. I am of the view that for the MDGs targets to be realized, a political will is required to devolve and localize". He urged for creating a balanced space for communities and civil society organizations to critically monitor and influence the government to devolve MDGs implementation; sensitizing civil societies to play proactive role, analyzing the strengths and weakness of the government initiatives, and developing civil society recommendations to help achieve set goals.
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