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As the world celebrates the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, officials and observers have praised China for spearheading the adoption of the UN resolution establishing the day, calling it a move that is expected to foster mutual understanding, peace and global cooperation.
Proposed by China and co-sponsored by more than 80 countries, the resolution was adopted in June last year by the United Nations General Assembly, which declared June 10 as International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.
The proposal was rooted in the Global Civilization Initiative, proposed by China in March 2023, which advocates respect for the diversity of civilizations and the common values of humanity.
Ababu Namwamba, the permanent representative of Kenya to the UN Office at Nairobi and the country”s permanent representative to the UN Environment Programme, thanked China for taking the lead in bringing the world together through proposing the resolution.
“The Global Civilization Initiative is a phenomenal, historic step forward to bring civilizations together to build more understanding, more harmony and greater global solidarity,” he said.
“Kenya fully supports the initiative because the best way to bring peace and shared prosperity in the world is to forge greater understanding among civilizations, and the Global Civilization Initiative is a way of sending a clear message that we are all interconnected.”
Speaking at an event in Nairobi ahead of the international day of dialogue, Namwamba said that through centuries of civilization, China has made a significant contribution to the current status of the world.
“The world is celebrating the contribution of Chinese civilization to what the world is today, and we are also celebrating the diversity of humanity, and out of this diversity we make a beautiful tapestry and a beautiful mosaic of the world,” he said.
Stephen Jackson, the UN resident coordinator in Kenya, praised China for proposing the initiative, saying that dialogue among civilizations can help solve global challenges such as climate change, poverty, pandemics, conflicts and migration.
However, he added that “dialogues are always hard”.
“Dialogue is never something that you can take for granted. It involves mutual respect, it involves sitting down and recognizing humanity.”
Miguel Moratinos, the high representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, thanked China for its leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing dialogue among civilizations.
Speaking at the event, he said that when people come together from different cultures and beliefs, they do not lose their identity. Instead, they are enriched and discover new possibilities for solidarity and cooperation.
“Let’s ensure that dialogue remains at the heart of multilateralism. Let’s continue to be the world in which civilizations don’t clash, they collaborate, where cultures don’t compete, they cooperate, where diversity is not feared but celebrated,” Moratinos said.
Erfan Ali, chief of staff at UN-Habitat, which promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, told China Daily that culture plays an important role in promoting social cohesion, solidarity and peace.
The exchange of music, art and dance, as showcased at the event, represented the role of culture and what it can offer to people, cities and human settlements, he said.
Guo Haiyan, China’s ambassador to Kenya, said China is committed to working with all parties to fully implement the resolution, jointly promote the Global Civilization Initiative, carry forward dialogues, and make greater contributions to the progress of human society.
In light of increasing challenges in a turbulent world, she said there is a need for more dialogue among civilizations to gain mutual understanding.
“Standing at a historic crossroads, humanity is in urgent need of great ideas shedding light on the way forward and opening minds to bridge cultural divides,” Guo said.
She added that only when each country’s path of development is truly respected can the diversity of civilizations become a wellspring of understanding and appreciation.
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