Unity in Diversity Forum, Kerala

Unity in Diversity Forum, Kerala

New York, February 14, 2011 - The second session of the Unity in
Diversity Forum, an initiative of Global Dialogue Foundation, and
convened under the auspices of the United Nations Alliance of
Civilizations (UNAOC), was held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala India from
6-8 February 2011.

The event witnessed participants of several nationalities in the Asia
Pacific region, such as, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Japan, Thailand, India
and Australia. The delegates represented widely varying backgrounds and
professions including social entrepreneurs, policy makers, teachers,
students, representatives of NGOs and foundations, corporate, senior
government officials and spiritual and religious leaders. Such a
prolific diversity contributed greatly towards the aims of the Forum by
giving fresh insights and perspectives to the issues raised.

A Forum of this nature was a first of its kind to be held in India. The
state of Kerala was an appropriate choice to host this forum, given its
status among all the states in India with respect to its religious
diversity and literacy rate. Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, the Minister for
Home, Vigilance and Tourism, graced the Forum with his presence. He
conveyed his satisfaction at Kerala being host to this Forum, and
described the importance of achieving harmony through cross cultural
dialogue.

His Highness Shri Padmanabhadasa Uthradom Tirunal Marthanda Varma
Maharaja, also addressed the Forum, and spoke about the urgent need for
unity among nations, and the crucial role for such as this one played in
bringing about a positive change. The United Nations High Representative
for the Alliance of Civilizations and former President of Portugal Jorge
Sampaio addressed the Forum by video message and emphasized the crucial
role played by civil society organizations working together with
governments to promote understanding and cooperation among peoples and
cultures.

The Forum celebrated the World Interfaith Harmony Week, observed by the
United Nations from 1-7 February 2011, addressed by faith leaders and
with multicultural dance presentations.

The two roundtable discussions held addressed the South Asian view point
on multiculturalism and intercultural dialogue focusing on attainment of
peace among individuals through adoption of certain values; the need for
building public-private partnerships to retain cultural plurality and to
attain intercultural understanding. Our aim is to bring Unity among
different cultures throughout the world and also to resolve dispute
through dialogue, stated the Forum Chairman KK Bose.

In his keynote address, Jean-Christophe Bas, senior advisor UN Alliance
of Civilizations said that building inclusive societies is indispensable
to achieve peace and economic and social development; it represents one
of the greatest challenges of our time and requires the participation of
all.

Another feature of this Forum was the introduction of five concurrent
workshops on the following topics: the medias role in challenging
stereotypes, the maintenance of cultural identity in todays society,
education for intercultural citizenship, Indias cultural relations with
its neighbors and role of religion for propagating peace. There were
several practical solutions discussed in these workshops.

At the closing of the Forum, a concrete action plan was discussed. Some
of the solutions suggested were engagement of the media for a positive
coverage of cultural harmony, development and introduction of vocational
training programmes in mainstream education, a close tie up of different
individuals and organizations to achieve the effective interfaith
dialogue, to create Unity in Diversity cities throughout India and the
rest of the world.

The event was co-organized by Pravasi Nivasi Cultural Association, SAGE
Foundation and PeaceWorks. The support partners were Royal Fashion,
Astic General Trading LLC, Excel, Stallion, Truebell Marketing and
Trading LLC, World Championships and Alphabetics.

ENDS

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