Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative Maria Zabolotskaya at the thematic dialogue to mark the international day for dialogue among Civilizations
Excellencies,
Let me start by thanking the Permanent Mission of China for organizing today’s event on the occasion of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations as well as other co-organizers and briefers, in particular alliance of civilizations. Russia has cosponsored and whole-heartedly supported the relevant resolution. Today’s event is a valuable opportunity to recommit to dialogue and cooperation that lay at the heart of our Organization. The international community must recall that the United Nations was created first and foremost in order to develop friendly relations among nations.
To effectively address the multiple threats that we face today it is important to work together, building upon the principles of international law as they are envisioned in the United Nations Charter and 1970 Declaration on principles of international law, in particular principles of sovereign equality of states, self-determination and cooperation.
Only in this way we can realize the full potential of the United Nations and establish conditions under which justice and respect for obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained.
Preservation of and respect for cultures, languages, religions and traditional values is a condition sine qua non for the dialogue of civilizations. We must eradicate ugly manifestations of racial and religious discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance.
Russia has hundreds of years of experience of dialogue of civilizations, as Russia is home to more than 190 ethnic communities with their own unique cultures.
We are convinced that the dialogue among civilizations is a powerful tool for eliminating mistrust, eradicating intolerance, building bridges between civilizations, overcoming dangerous stereotypes, hostility and hatred that have provoked social instability and wars for hundreds of years.
The bright future and prosperity of mankind are impossible to achieve without a partnership among world cultures, religions and civilizations.
I thank you for your attention.
