Use World Culture Forum to Advance Role of Civilizations in Achieving Sustainable Development, Secretary-General Urges during Video Message on Opening Day

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the Second World Culture Forum, in Bali today:

Your Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, Your Excellency Mr. Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Mr. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, Your Excellency Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri, Former President of the Republic of Indonesia, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

Welcome to the 2016 World Culture Forum.  I thank the Republic of Indonesia for hosting and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) for its support.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognized the essential role of culture.  For the first time, leaders from around the world declared that all cultures and civilizations are crucial enablers of sustainable development.

Culture makes us who we are.  It explains our past and lights the way for the future.  I hope you will use this valuable Forum to advance this agenda and help realize culture’s potential to drive sustainable development for all.

In this spirit, I wish you great success.

Thank you.