Secretary-General Commends African Leaders for Promoting Peace, Development through Dialogue that Bridges Cultures, Religions

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, delivered by Hiroute Guebre Sellassie, Special Envoy for the Sahel, to the International Symposium launching the African Initiative for Education on Peace and Development through Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, in Cotonou, Benin, today:

I am pleased to convey my greetings to all those gathered for this symposium on the importance of education for peace and development through interreligious and intercultural dialogue.  The seventieth anniversary of the United Nations falls at a moment of turmoil and test for the international community.  Civil wars, violent extremism and attacks against civilians are on the rise.  In too many places, commitments to uphold human rights and the rule of law are on the run.

Beyond the emergencies, the world also faces broader challenges, such as grinding poverty, hunger, inequality, discrimination and other threats to people’s lives and dignity.  We know these conditions drive insecurity.  We will only succeed in building a world of dignity for all if we come together as a single human family based on shared values.

That is why the President of the General Assembly and I recently convened a gathering of leaders across faiths and cultures to signal our common resolve to promote tolerance and reconciliation.  I commend the leaders of Africa for this initiative and follow-up to the African Union Summit in January.  As His Excellency, Boni Yayi, President of Benin, has eloquently said, “a frank dialogue between religions and cultures can contribute to lasting peace without which development is not possible”.

When Governments respect human rights and provide opportunities for people to voice their grievances, when societies join forces to enhance equality and mutual dignity, when individuals recognize that, we are all stronger when we work as one, peace and prosperity will grow.

Thank you for coming together in that spirit.  Let us continue to strengthen our cooperation across religions and cultures through dialogue and for peace.