REMARKS OF H.E. MR. NASSIR ABDULAZIZ AL-NASSER
High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
before the
Permanent Missions of Italy and Kazakhkstan to the United Nations, UNESCO and Interparliamentary Coalition for Global Ethics
The High Level Panel on the Role of Parliaments for Building Peaceful and Inclusive Societies and Combating Violent Extremism
July 21, 15:00-18:00, CR4, United Nations Headquarters New York
Delivered by Hanifa Mezoui, PhD, Senior Advisor, Humanitarian Affairs and Civil Society
Excellencies, Madame Bokova, Dear Participants, Dear Parliamentarians, Colleagues and Friends,
It is a great pleasure for me to be able to participate to the High-Level Panel on: “The role of Parliaments for building peaceful and inclusive societies and combatting violent extremism”, organized by the Permanent Missions of Italy and Kazakhstan to the United Nations, UNESCO and the Inter Parliamentary coalition for Global Ethics, and particularly to deliver a message on behalf of His Excellency Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, the High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, who coveys his profound regrets on being unable to participate personally in your deliberations.
This Topic is highly relevant to the mandate of the UNAOC, taking into consideration our mission in addressing some of our contemporary most difficult challenges such as radicalization, extreme violence and terrorism.
The Alliance strives to create a peaceful and socially inclusive world by building mutual respect among different cultural and religious identities.
The role of Parliamentarians is essential particularly in addressing the means to reduce cross cultural tensions as well as building bridges.
I would also like to highlight that the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations stands by Parliamentarians in their efforts to advance democratic governance and to counter extremism with programs and activities, which target and involve young leaders in promoting peace, cultural diversity, tolerance and democratic processes worldwide.
We all know that the rise of extreme violence and racial intolerance are direct violations of the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.
Parliamentarians ensure that there is a voice addressing this scourge.
There can be no inclusive societies if inequality remains.
If there is inequality there will be violence. Radicalism emerges when people feel unsafe or unequal in their society.
The four pillars of the Alliance: youth, migration, education and media are essential to addressing these inequalities.
It is a platform for intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation.
Here are few of our projects:
(1) The Intercultural Innovation Award (IIA)
(2) The Fellowship Program
(3) Youth Solidarity Fund (YSF)
You will find all the details of these programs on our website.
This panel today compliments the 7th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Global Forum that took place in Baku, Azerbaijan from April 25-27. The forum was titled “Living Together in Inclusive Societies: A Challenge and a Goal.” The forum was used to discuss ways to create more inclusive societies and combat violent extremism. All stakeholders were invited, particularly religious leaders.
It is crucial to call on to religious and faith leaders to work together to bring religious mediation to counter terrorism. Close cooperation is necessary to overcome these challenges. Promoting dialogue between different religious groups, civil societies and governments is an important tool for peace.
Parliamentarians also bring meaningful contribution to mediation as a conflict resolution tool. The Alliance believes in using mediation as a form of preventive diplomacy.
These same tools and recommendations need to be used to implement the goals of the Culture of Peace. The Culture of Peace values are based on the principles of freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, and respect for diversity. The parliaments have helped achieve these goals by promoting the Culture of Peace resolutions at the UN. These resolutions are promoted by engaging religious leaders and parliamentarians.
If we want to live in peaceful and inclusive societies and combat violent extremism, essential human elements have to be secured such as the end of poverty, hunger, education and transnational situation for migrants. These essential elements were discussed during this week by the High Level Policy Forum. The HLPF concluded yesterday its 20th sessions all inspired by the new Sustainable Development Agenda and a Global Agreement on Climate Change signed by the 193 Members States.
They agreed on 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to transform our world.
I believe that engaging all aspects of the international community and by creating strong action programs to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals we will progress to peaceful and socially inclusive societies.
Let’s take ownership of this Agenda and focus on its implementation, restore hope and make sure that NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND.