Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Collective Voice of The Muslim World
Date: 21/05/2012
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is happy to join the international community in the observance of May 21, as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 57/249. The Day provides an opportunity for all people of diverse religions and faith and cultural backgrounds to celebrate diversity as a means to live in peaceful cohabitations in a spirit of understanding, tolerance and respect for each other. The observance of this day serves as a reminder that the global community of the present day which has narrowed distances between communities through technological advancement still remains vulnerable to the agenda of hatred and intolerance pursued by extremist groups in society. In this context, I must mention that one of the major threats to peace in our present times is the growing scourge of Islamophobia. The campaign to distort the peaceful image of Islam and targeting Muslims in different parts of the world to face xenophobic acts, racial discrimination, negative stereotyping and stigmatization, is a matter of concern not only for the Muslim world but for the entire international community. The day therefore should serve as an occasion for all to take a renewed resolve to combat the forces of intolerance and hatred for diversity, including that which is based on religion and faith and to strengthen our determination to develop a culture of peace and respect for living in diversity. The OIC has always pursued a policy of playing a constructive and proactive role in promoting respect for cultural diversity. It has been a pioneer of the concept of Dialogue among Civilizations in the United Nations and has taken up many initiatives in fostering interfaith and intercultural tolerance in its interactions with various stakeholders that include governments, international organizations and the civil society. The historic consensual adoption of UNHRC resolution 16/18 at the 16th session of UN Human Rights Council and the launching of the Istanbul Process in July last year, under the joint initiative of the OIC and the United States of America and with the participation of Western and OIC countries and international organizations, was a major step forward on underscoring the paramount importance of engendering and upholding respect and embracement of Cultural Diversity. It is my firm belief that the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 2012 would be suitably observed to help garner tolerance and celebrate cultural diversity as an indispensible element of human existence.
