Stalni predstavnik RH pri Ujedinjenim narodima, veleposlanik Neven Jurica održao je govor na Opcoj skupštini Ujedinjenih naroda na sastanku na visokoj razini na temu Kulture mira.
Mister Chairman, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me start by expressing my sincere appreciation to the President of the General Assembly for organizing this High-Level Meeting and to His Majesty the King of Saudi Arabia for undertaking his initiative. We have had the chance during the past two days to listen to the Heads of State and Government from the many diverse regions of the world, and have heard them place a great deal of importance on the value of mutual dialogue and understanding. Their strong commitment to the promotion of these values, gives rise to a future filled with promise and hope.
Today we live in a world that is closely linked through telecommunication and economy. We do not need to live side by side to know that somewhere in the world a different culture or religion or a system of belief exists. As our citizens interact, our economies and our cultures also interact. In this interaction, mutual understanding of each others faith and culture is the basis for our well-being, our stability and prosperity.
On the other hand, it would be wrong for any religion to claim to be superior over others in holding the highest of truths. If we fail to understand and appreciate each others differences, religion and culture will eventually be used to promote and deepen conflicts, instead of bringing us closer together. The freedom to hold the belief of one's choosing or to change it is an essential attribute to the human conscience and a prerequisite to peaceful co-existence, and unity through differences as one single human family.
Mr. President,
As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is crucial to offer every single person freedom of speech and expression, as well as, freedom of faith and belief, which includes freedom of religion that in its end form is the basis for intercultural dialogue.
With its geographical position, Croatia has been at the crossroads of different religions and cultures for centuries. It is a place where Central and Eastern Europe meet the Mediterranean, where Christianity meets Islam and Judaism, as the cradle of our belief that we are all children of one God and creator. Croatia is a strong supporter of the Alliance of Civilizations Initiative that aims to combat extremism and overcome cultural misunderstandings between civilizations. Croatia has actively engaged in this process and is about to start with preparations for its National plan on the matter.
Croatia welcomes the idea behind the World Conference on Dialogue held this year in Madrid in Spain that brought together representatives of different religions in the hope to promote mutual understanding and tolerance. We would also like to draw attention to the recent meeting held in Rome between Catholics and Muslims where a number of timely and pertinent issues were discussed. Such meetings are good examples of bridging the difference among cultures and religions, where a common denominator can be found.
Mr. President,
Religious communities and their leaders hold a great deal of power and responsibility in their hands. Believers listen to their words and seek their guidance, especially in this time of change and challenges. The important responsibility to promote mutual understanding and tolerance that lays in the hand of these religious leaders provides them with the unique moral authority to guide people in the direction of accepting their neighbors and rejecting the distorted uses of religion that exacerbate conflicts and tensions.
In many regions of the world we are witness that inter-religious and intercultural cooperation is a prerequisite for international peace and security. As a country rich in cultural diversity we understand that a common and peaceful future for the benefit of all can only be built on the foundations of tolerance, understanding and reconciliation. We should all look towards accepting our differences and using them as a bridge in which to bring nations and peoples together, on building the conditions for a peaceful solution to long-lasting conflicts, rather than exacerbating dissimilarities created through historical or cultural differences or misgivings.
Mr. President,
Even though no one can change the past we can all commit to strengthening our future prospects by investing in the new generations. Our children were not born with prejudice in their hearts; they were taught to have it. If we offer them interfaith education based on the principle of mutual understanding and acceptance, they will grow up with a better chance to shape our world free of discrimination and intolerance.
Thank you.
Priopćenja
