Tuesday 22 October 2013
UNESCO Paris
Excellency,
Minister Elshad Iskandarov,
Mr. Reza Deghati,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I sincerely thank UNESCO, for hosting this event in Paris, with the State Committee on Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. I would like also to express my appreciation to H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and to The Director General, Ms. Irina Bokova for their commitment to promoting inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue.
Your Excellency, Mr. Elshad Iskandarov, you said that “Tolerance is your national heritage”. We at the Alliance of Civilizations have a great respect for this distinctive quality that you find in the people of Azerbaijan.
To appreciate the impact of that national heritage, on 26 September we had the distinct honor of hosting the first ceremony at the UN headquarters in New York to applaud your initiative in launching the National Tolerance Center. In honor of this momentous step towards diversity and multiculturalism, we had the pleasure of introducing award-winning photojournalist Reza Deghati’s exhibition, “Land of Tolerance”.
Mr. Deghati’s stunning photography showed us, from behind the lens, the cohabitation of different faiths living in the same land for generations. Describing Muslim, Orthodox, Catholic, Christian, Jewish and Protestant communities of Azerbaijan, “Land of Tolerance” helped us to visualize a journey of inter-religious and cross cultural dialogue. The mutual respect and understanding portrayed by these diverse faiths can help serve as inspiration to the rest of the world—particularly in war-torn societies.
We will continue with his work through an innovative photo contest “Photolerance”, which UNAOC will hold together with the State Committee for Religious Associations of the Rep. Azerbaijan and master photographer Reza Deghati is good example of involvement of youth in supporting mission of UNAOC and multiplying the effect of its work.
At the Alliance, we are taking steps, along with the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to further efforts promoting tolerance and interfaith dialogue. At our successful High Level Meeting of the Group of Friends, we have signed a cooperation agreement with the State Committee. We thank you for your support and are look forward to pursue our shared goal of increasing respect for diversity through this international platform.
The “Land of Tolerance” event, met by extensive media coverage and significant turnout, furthered the notion that there is no better place than the Alliance of Civilizations “to talk the talk and to walk the walk”.
The Alliance of Civilizations is a platform on which the international community can build greater understanding and communication to stem the tide of intolerance and confusion. It can offer a new perspective of hope and peace for security and development when the cultural diversity has been respected.
Out of the four current pillars of the Alliance: Education, Youth, Media and Migration; it is through Education that we need to develop programmes that encourage respect for cultural diversity and that address issues such as fear, intolerance and xenophobia. I have also introduced into the agenda of the Alliance, culture, arts, entertainment, music and sport as additional tools for preventive diplomacy.
Tolerance requires practice. Generally, people can easily relate to those similar to them, but they have a more difficult time with those who are different. However, no matter how dissimilar someone is, we all share a universal humanity. Our sentiments and life experiences are what connect us.
The United Nations was founded on the premise that dialogue is the best path to peace; that promoting diversity, freedom of thought and knowing each other, fosters respect tolerance and mutual understanding. Attaining this respect, this tolerance and this mutual understanding define our work at the United Nations and it is hoped in the world.
Thank you