Cross-cultural tolerance, understanding ‘must be pillars of world we are trying

to build’, Secretary-General says in message to European Parliament Session

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to the European Parliament session on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008), as delivered by Jorge Sampaio, High Representative of the Secretary-General for the Alliance of Civilizations, in Strasbourg, 21 October:

It is a great pleasure to send greetings to all the distinguished participants in this important session of the European Parliament on intercultural dialogue.

Throughout its history, Europe has seen terrible outbreaks of armed conflict often rooted in prejudice and hatred.  Yet the continent has also been fertile soil for some of the world’s most remarkable innovations, artistic creations and scientific progress.  Europe’s tremendous diversity and its strategic geographic position, at the centre of old and new migration routes, have made it a significant venue for cross-cultural interaction and interfaith dialogue.  In particular, its close relationship with its neighbours across the Mediterranean makes Europe an important bridge between civilizations.

Like many other regions of the world, Europe faces multiple challenges in promoting intercultural dialogue.  Migration, economic uncertainty and political tensions are putting strains on relations between different cultural, ethnic and religious groups.  But it is precisely in your region, where constructive contacts over the centuries have allowed humanity to take major leaps forward, that opportunities for reconciliation and cooperation exist.  This special session today holds great promise.  I urge you to make the most of this opportunity, and to pursue joint economic projects, educational exchanges, and other initiatives that will improve people’s lives and create a bulwark against intolerance, religious fundamentalism and extremism.

The United Nations will do its part to support and complement your efforts, both in and beyond Europe.  The Alliance of Civilizations is one of our main vehicles for this work.  It aims to address the growing divisions between societies by reaffirming a paradigm of mutual respect between peoples.  It also seeks to mobilize joint action for this purpose.  Among the Alliance’s major initiatives are a Youth Solidarity Fund to promote dialogue, and a Global Expert Finder to provide a source of commentators who can shed light on potentially divisive issues.

“If I were to do it all over again, I would begin with culture.”  These famous words, most often attributed to Jean Monnet, who worked so tirelessly for European unity, remain strikingly relevant today.  Cross-cultural tolerance, dialogue, respect and understanding must be pillars of the better world we are trying to build.  It is very encouraging to know of your strong commitment to this quest.  For the sake of countless people living between the extremes and yearning for dignity and peace, let us work together so that intercultural dialogue can bear fruit.  In that spirit, please accept my best wishes for the success of your discussions.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record