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Mr. Secretary General,
The High Representative of Secretary General on Alliance of Civilizations,
President of the General Assembly,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wish to thank the Governments of Turkey and Spain for pioneering an initiative that has, over the years, brought together diverse religious, political, economic, social and cultural systems of the world under its framework in a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding. This initiative has grown both in stature and popularity with each passing year. The range of partners associating with this initiative such as the international organizations, multinational firms as well as civil society groups adds to its legitimacy and its expanding reach.
I also wish to thank Mr. Jorge Sampaio, the High Representative of Alliance of Civilizations for providing able leadership to the work of the Alliance and for arranging this meeting.
The holding of the Third United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Forum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in May 2010 was a landmark event. It symbolized the diversity of ideas and rich cultural contribution of the South and Latin American countries for this fast expanding initiative.
Excellencies,
Today the exchange and flow of information and ideas between various societies is at an unprecedented level. We know more about each other today than ever before in the human history. Events unfolding in one part of the world are flashed across the world in split seconds. Hundred of thousands of visitors and immigrants crisscross the globe in search of better economic, business and education opportunities, in societies with differing cultural and religious traditions compared to their own countries.
This increased interaction, for variety of reasons, has also generated new set of problems pertaining to identities, social and religious misperceptions and stereotypes. In an increasingly integrated and interconnected world it is indeed extremely disturbing. One wonders if with the ascendance of knowledge and information revolution, we are also becoming more intolerant and xenophobic. We believe that extremists whether in the West or East, North or South, draw sustenance from each other, despite ostensibly opposing agendas. Most often than not, these merchants of doom propagate their divisive ideologies on the pretext of freedom of expression. Their venomous hate speech poses a serious threat to societal peace and harmony in open societies. We must not allow them to succeed in their self-serving and dangerous agendas.
The peoples and cultures representing various persuasions and backgrounds have been interacting and enriching each other throughout the human history. Our modern civilization or civilizations reflect the sum total of this human experience. We must build on this enriching experience by strengthening the Alliance of Civilizations. It is imperative to create a peaceful and harmonious world for our future generations.
Excellencies,
The lands constituting modern day Pakistan have the unique distinction of being a melting pot for great civilizations like Indus Valley and Gandhara civilizations. My own home town Multan, which according to some accounts is as old as Damascus, has been a centre of mystic and Sufi tradition for the past many centuries. The Sufi saints and mystics of Multan have been a vehicle of spreading the message of peace and love in the entire Indus region and beyond. Their teachings transcended the distinction of race, religion, caste or creed. They spoke the language of love and humanity, which received overwhelming response from the masses.
Even today, millions of people irrespective of colour, faith or social status visit these Sufi shrines to commemorate their legacy of love, peace and harmony. In July this year, a troupe of Sufi singers from Pakistan enthralled New Yorkers with their message of love and peaceful co-existence. That is exactly the message that I bring from Pakistan for all of you today.
Excellencies,
Let me conclude by reiterating Pakistan’s full support and commitment for the aims and objectives of the Alliance of Civilizations. We see the Alliance of Civilizations as a vehicle to promote much needed dialogue and cooperation among religions, faiths and cultures that give amazing colour and flavor to our beautiful world.
Thank you.