{"id":18333,"date":"2019-12-13T09:28:49","date_gmt":"2019-12-13T14:28:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english.cpnn-world.org\/?p=18333"},"modified":"2019-12-13T09:30:26","modified_gmt":"2019-12-13T14:30:26","slug":"united-nations-general-assembly-adopts-three-resolutions-on-culture-of-peace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english.cpnn-world.org\/?p=18333","title":{"rendered":"United Nations General Assembly Adopts Three Resolutions on Culture of Peace"},"content":{"rendered":"
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FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION<\/p>\n

An article from the United Nations<\/a> (abbreviated)<\/p>\n

The General Assembly today (December 12) adopted three resolutions on the culture of peace, highlighting the need to foster interreligious and cultural dialogue, temper social media and bolster education in efforts to prevent future clashes between and within societies.<\/p>\n

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\nBangladesh Ambassador Rabab Fatima introduced the culture of peace resolution<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n

Introducing a draft on \u201cPromotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace\u201d, the Philippines\u2019 representative said the resolution aimed to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue in achieving peace and stability as well as strengthen constructive dialogue across divergent divides.\u00a0 The resolution also stresses the important role the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization\u00a0(UNESCO) and the United National Alliance of Civilizations play in promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue at all levels, he said.<\/p>\n

Bangladesh\u2019s delegate, introducing a text on \u201cFollow\u2011up to the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace<\/a>\u201d, noted that it welcomes the High\u2011level Forum on Culture of Peace held on 13\u00a0September\u00a02019, the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action.\u00a0 The Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace continues to find relevance across the three pillars of the United Nations in addressing contemporary global challenges, he said.<\/p>\n

A final text designates 20\u00a0July as World Chess Day . . . <\/p>\n

Addressing the drafts, delegates warned that clashing cultures are a growing reality in numerous societies, with antisemitism resurfacing and Islamophobia becoming more pervasive.\u00a0 Libya\u2019s representative pointed to waves of violence, displacement, death and destruction due to increases in violent extremism, terrorism and hatred.\u00a0 \u201cIt is sad to see flagrant and daily violations of human rights,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

They also observed that the international community today is facing more complex challenges undermining the culture of peace than in the past, including religious tensions and violence.\u00a0 Kuwait\u2019s representative observed that violent extremism is used as a mode of expression on social networks, stressing that the international community must ban content inciting extremism and terrorism.<\/p>\n

Also arguing that social media platforms can threaten the culture of peace, Saudi Arabia\u2019s delegate emphasized that using digital messages constructively can achieve the opposite result.\u00a0 Echoing that sentiment, Ecuador\u2019s representative emphasized that the more such media are used to disseminate hate speech the more people must use positive digital missives to counter them.<\/p>\n

Several speakers emphasized the importance of quality education and dialogue as tools to forge peaceful understanding between countries and societies.\u00a0 Interreligious and intercultural dialogues with faith leaders, civil society and academia are important for building intellectual and moral solidarity, India\u2019s delegate said.\u00a0 Home to a significant number of practitioners of practically every major religion in the world, his country is a narrative of conversations between different civilizations, he said. . . . <\/p>\n

The Assembly had before it two reports of the Secretary\u2011General on “A world against violence and violent extremism,”\u00a0(document\u00a0A\/74\/195) and “Promotion of a culture of peace and interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace\u00a0(document\u00a0A\/74\/476).<\/p>\n

Also speaking today were the representatives of Sweden, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Thailand (on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Venezuela, United Arab Emirates, Maldives, Cuba, Morocco, Panama, Pakistan, Brunei Darussalam, Azerbaijan, Canada, Nicaragua and United States, as well as an observer for the Holy See. . . . <\/p>\n

Introduction of Draft Resolutions<\/strong><\/p>\n

RABAB FATIMA (Bangladesh), introducing the draft resolution titled \u201cFollow\u2011up to the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace\u201d\u00a0(document A\/74\/L.23), said the text welcomes the High\u2011level Forum on Culture of Peace held on 13\u00a0September\u00a02019, the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action.\u00a0 Bangladesh appreciates that the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace continues to find relevance across the three pillars of the United Nations in addressing contemporary global challenges.\u00a0 It further appreciates that the High\u2011level Forum provided an opportunity for Member States, United Nations entities, civil society, non\u2011governmental organizations and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and make suggestions on how to build on and further promote the culture of peace in the twenty\u2011first century.\u00a0 Finally, the text notes its support for Member States in promoting the culture of peace at the national level. . . .<\/p>\n

KIRA CHRISTIANNE DANGANAN AZUCENA (Philippines), introducing the draft resolution titled \u201cPromotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace\u201d\u00a0(document L\/74\/L.25), said that the international community is experiencing a growing trend of xenophobia and religious intolerance, underpinned by the politics of identity, as well as the emergence of extremist ideologies.\u00a0 There was a time when terror was the weapon of the weak against the strong in fights for freedom and justice.\u00a0 Today, terror is pursued for itself.\u00a0 It is not a means but the end that terrorism seeks:\u00a0 a society built on fear where every person is afraid of another.<\/p>\n

(continued in right column)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Question(s) related to this article:<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
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What is the United Nations doing for a culture of peace?<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

(continued from left column)<\/p>\n

This annual resolution is more relevant than ever and has two aims:\u00a0 to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue to achieve peace and stability, and to strengthen the mechanism that promises constructive dialogue across the most divergent divides, she said.\u00a0 The Philippines strived to use the objectives of this resolution by maintaining an open, inclusive and transparent approach during the negotiation process.\u00a0 An example of this is operative paragraph\u00a09, which appreciates the landmark initiative to open up the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and welcomes the agreement achieved between Pakistan and India in record time.\u00a0 The resolution also stresses the important role of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization\u00a0(UNESCO) and the invaluable contributions of the United National Alliance of Civilizations in promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue at all levels.<\/p>\n

Statements<\/strong><\/p>\n

VITAVAS SRIVIHOK (Thailand), speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations\u00a0(ASEAN), said that ASEAN continues to advance the vision the association had when it was founded 52\u00a0years ago: \u00a0to have an integrated, peaceful and stable community throughout the region which enjoys prosperity, lasting peace and stability.\u00a0 The association\u2019s decision\u2011making process has been carried out in the ASEAN way:\u00a0 completed with the consensus of all 10\u00a0member countries.\u00a0 The ASEAN way has worked to expand peace and stability in the region, and it carries out the same process with its dialogue partners to within the region and beyond its borders.<\/p>\n

ASEAN continues to engage in meaningful dialogue with its external partners through ASEAN\u2011led mechanisms, such as the Preventive Diplomacy and Confidence\u2011Building Measures under the ASEAN Regional Forum, he continued.\u00a0 ASEAN also supports the Security Council\u2019s women, peace and security agenda and multi\u2011stakeholder initiatives.\u00a0 For example, the ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme helps foster a culture of peace through the active participation of women and youth.\u00a0 ASEAN believes that the promotion of cooperation on sustainable development also helps foster a culture of peace, he said.<\/p>\n

CARLOS RON MART\u00cdNEZ, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs for North America of\u00a0Venezuela, said that building and strengthening a culture of peace calls for real commitment from the international community.\u00a0 This must go beyond occasional speeches to real action.\u00a0 Achieving solidarity with the most vulnerable people is essential in this regard.\u00a0 \u201cWe must understand each other and recognize each other without judging each other,\u201d he added.\u00a0 A world of peace will only be possible when social justice, health, food and dignity are accessible to all people regardless of their social class, gender or any other construct.\u00a0 Venezuela rejects xenophobia and discrimination.<\/p>\n

Political will and dialogue without exclusion and under equal conditions will allow people to feel like real actors of change in the world, he continued. Venezuela has made major contributions to multilateralism, cooperation and solidarity.\u00a0 This has been recognized by various States, social movements and academics.\u00a0 The country remains involved in initiatives that promote economic solidarity, self\u2011determination and peaceful coexistence.\u00a0 Venezuela is also dedicated to establishing a judicial system that strengthens peace, integrity and the rule of law.\u00a0 He condemned the illegal implementation of unilateral coercive measures by the United States against his country.\u00a0 \u201cThey are criminal and inhumane collective punishment,\u201d he said, demanding such measures be lifted immediately. . . .<\/p>\n

AHMED NASIR (Maldives) said that education is a key element in cultivating and nurturing a culture of peace.\u00a0 Despite much progress in that regard, there are still some 262\u00a0million children worldwide who do not go to school.\u00a0 Inequality remains one of the biggest obstacles to creating a culture of peace.\u00a0 For decades, Maldivians who lived in islands outside of the greater Mal\u00e9 region have not had the same level of development or access to the same basic resources.\u00a0 They have not been accorded the same level of priority in policymaking circles.\u00a0 The current Government is committed to implementing a decentralization policy aimed at rectifying this.\u00a0 The Declaration and Programme of Action on a culture of peace rightly identifies Governments, civil society, media and individuals as key actors for its effective implementation.\u00a0 Moreover, he said that without adequate regulation, social media has become a tool to spread populist rhetoric, political extremism, racism, xenophobia and falsehoods.\u00a0 \u201cWe call on social media companies to take more responsibility, especially in monitoring divisive content,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Mr.\u00a0ALMABROK (Libya) said the world is witnessing waves of violence, displacement, death and destruction, due to an increase of violent extremism, terrorism and hatred.\u00a0 The root causes are poverty, unemployment, impunity and marginalization. \u201cIt is sad to see flagrant and daily violations of human rights,\u201d he said, calling on all countries to work together to provide greater resources and the courage to put an end to these violations.\u00a0 Peace can only exist where there is justice.\u00a0 He expressed concern that unregulated social media is exposing young people to extremist ideology.\u00a0 Member States should demonstrate a collective will to resolve conflict and war and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of sovereign States.\u00a0 Respect for cultural and religious diversity is also important.<\/p>\n

ANA SILVIA RODR\u00cdGUEZ ABASCAL (Cuba), warning that the world today produces more bullets than books, stressed that so long as nuclear deterrence is used as a method to contain war, human beings will not enjoy a culture of peace.\u00a0 There can be no peace without full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and the self\u2011determination of peoples.\u00a0 The use of unilateral coercive measures as a foreign policy tool must cease.\u00a0 Ending the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba would be an action in favor of peace.\u00a0 There is no culture of peace when the United States launches a new slander campaign to discredit Cuba, she stressed. . . .<\/p>\n

YASHAR ALIYEV (Azerbaijan) said that the Baku Process has proved itself as one of the leading international platforms to foster dialogue and cultural diversity.\u00a0 Its important role was emphasized by the Secretary\u2011General in his report to the Assembly\u2019s seventy\u2011second session and most recently, in the outcome documents of the eighteenth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non\u2011Aligned Movement, held on 25\u00a0to 26\u00a0October in Azerbaijan.\u00a0 An integral part of the Baku Process is the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, organized biennially by Azerbaijan since\u00a02011 in partnership with UNESCO, the Alliance of Civilizations, the World Tourism Organization, the Council of Europe and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.\u00a0 The fifth World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, which took place this May in Baku, focused on dialogue as an instrument for action against discrimination, inequality and violent conflict.\u00a0 In November, Azerbaijan hosted the second Summit of World Religious Leaders, which drew participants from about 70\u00a0countries, and adopted the Baku Declaration at its outcome.\u00a0 The outcome emphasized the role of religious leaders in promoting inter-religious and intercultural dialogue. . . . <\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION An article from the United Nations (abbreviated) The General Assembly today (December 12) adopted three resolutions on the culture of peace, highlighting the need to foster interreligious and cultural dialogue, temper social media and bolster education in efforts to prevent future clashes between and within societies. Bangladesh Ambassador Rabab Fatima introduced … Continue reading United Nations General Assembly Adopts Three Resolutions on Culture of Peace<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15,76,93],"tags":[11,94],"class_list":["post-18333","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-information","category-global","category-united-nations","tag-global","tag-united-nations"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/english.cpnn-world.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18333","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/english.cpnn-world.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/english.cpnn-world.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/english.cpnn-world.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/english.cpnn-world.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18333"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/english.cpnn-world.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18333\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/english.cpnn-world.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18333"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/english.cpnn-world.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18333"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/english.cpnn-world.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}