Dr. Naseer Homoud
Further to the adoption of UNESCO's Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in November 2001, the General Assembly of the United Nations has proclaimed 21 May as World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The Day is intended to provide individuals and groups worldwide with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the values of Cultural Diversity and to learn to live together better. With the coming together of several traditions and practices, a day dedicated to cultural diversity for dialogue and development has become significant. World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development has been recognized world over and it is marked with celebration through exchange of cultural nuances and practices. It also leads to a greater goodwill as it helps in uniting nations torn apart due to political and cultural differences. This further leads to sustainable development, economic development and peaceful co-existence.
Speaking on importance of this day Dr. Homoud said “The convention recognizes both the social and the economic nature of cultural goods and services such as books, films, and television programs. Moreover, it reaffirms the right of States to take steps to support the diversity of their cultural expressions”
Dr. Homoud urged for efforts to ensure human dignity, brotherhood and dialogue between cultures. He said “the world is itself an exemplary and lively example of diversity and in this diversity we together have to strive for unity. Let us pledge to work for filling gap which, unfortunately, exists between cultures. By this way only we can dream for a world where each and every one understands other irrespective of the geographical and cultural differences”
Speaking further he said “Generally, the difference between one culture and another mostly depends on the way values are conceived and interpreted. In fact, not all that is held as a value by one culture is given the same value and meaning by others. From here, emerge the concept of cultural relativism. Therefore, it should be recognized that no culture can be considered superior to another just as no culture can considered itself as inferior to the others”.
“The diversity of cultures and lifestyles is growing in world at large. Expectations are ever increasing, and with them the demands on our ability to coexist. Multilingualism and the competence to resolve conflicts are as much in demand as knowledge about political, economic and social interconnections in our world with its growing number of networks that make it ever more interesting. In all our diversity, we must constantly remind ourselves of the ties that connect us as individuals and societies”. He said.
Speaking on relevance of the day Dr. Homoud urged "It is an opportunity for people to learn to live together with other cultural groups in a harmonious way and to increase their knowledge of the importance of cultural divers”. He further added “ in my opinion the real essence of diversity day would not be achieved unless we adopt the theory that the more we are open to diverse culture, more we can live together better.
IIMSAM under leadership of His Excellency Ambassador Remigio M. Maradona its Director General, with its programmes in Kenya and other countries has taken numerous initiatives in recent years to promote cultural diversity and peaceful and secure co-existence though securing Spirulina foods for the marginalized section of society. IIMSAM supports projects focusing on inter-cultural themes and development policy issues. "Respect for and promotion of cultural diversity are important resources for the sustainable development of communities, peoples and nations," concluded Dr. Homoud.
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