Bali, Indonesia: This country, Indonesia, is home to a quarter of a billion people representing a thousand separate ethnic groups living wisely, harmoniously, side-by-side resolving all differences of opinion through dialogue.
This was stated by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during in his remarks at the Sixth Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations being held in Bali, Indonesia.
Therefore, he said, Indonesia is the most fitting that this Alliance of Civilizations is taking place in this country, Indonesia.
“I am honoured to address this Sixth Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations under the leadership of President Yudhoyono and I thank President and the Government and people of Indonesia for their hospitality warm, welcome and the excellent success of this meeting.
“I am inspired by Indonesia’s motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika,” or “Unity in Diversity.” This is the main theme of the Alliance of Civilizations.
“Our differences should not divide us – they should forge our collective prosperity and strength.
“The United Nations was born from tragic experience and lessons we learned from the Second World War: those countries must join forces for peace. And we have learned that this is true not just for governments – but for all of our society.
Unity in diversity is more than a slogan – it is a way of life and it is the way to peace.
I see many disasters in today’s world.
The natural calamities are heart-breaking.
What is most saddening in many ways, these man-made tragedies are even worse.
Too many of our world’s worst crises are driven by those who exploit fear for power.
Too many societies are fracturing along cultural, religious or ethnic lines.
Wars begin in people’s minds – and the way to peace is also through people’s hearts.
The Alliance of Civilizations was created to reach the hearts and minds of people and build bridges to peace.
I applaud High Representative Ambassador Al-Nasser for working with many grassroots groups around the world.
Under his leadership, the Alliance is making a difference on the ground.
It is helping Pakistani university students take the lead in healing sectarian divisions.
It is supporting theatre by Kenyan citizens to prevent young people from joining terrorist movements.
It is encouraging Muslim-Christian volunteerism in Mindanao.
“We have much work ahead of us across a landscape of tension. Far too often, identities define boundaries that lead to fighting.
Inter-communal violence in the Central African Republic has displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Nearly half the country’s population – two and a half million people – need help to survive.
“The newest member of the UN, South Sudan, gained independence with great hope. I myself participated in the independence ceremony. But a power struggle degenerated into ethnic violence that has killed thousands of civilians and [left] many millions of displaced people.
“In Myanmar, polarization is threatening the democratic transition. The country’s leaders must speak out against divisive incitement. They must promote interfaith harmony. And they must stand against impunity for provocations and violence.
“It is critical to resolve the issue of status and citizenship of the minority Muslim community in Rakhine State, commonly known as the Rohingyas.
“I am alarmed by the rising level of attacks in Sri Lanka against religious minorities. The Government and faith leaders must respond and ensure the safety and security of all communities.
“In both Myanmar and Sri Lanka, I am concerned that Buddhist communities are being swept up by a rising tide of extremist sentiment against other groups.
This betrays the peaceful teachings of the founder, Lord Buddha.