Foreign Minister on World Day for Cultural Diversity

Vienna, 20 May 2008 - "The diversity of cultures and lifestyles is growing - in Austria, Europe and in the world at large. Expectations are ever increasing, and with them the demands on our ability to coexist. Multilingualism and the competence to resolve conflicts are as much in demand as knowledge about political, economic and social interconnections in our world with its growing number of networks that make it ever more vulnerable. In all our diversity, we must constantly remind ourselves of the ties that connect us as individuals and societies," stated Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik to mark the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on 21 May 2008.

"Cultural, religious and ethnic pluralism in practice cannot develop in an environment of ignorance and arbitrariness. Above all, cultural diversity must not be used as an argument for calling into question the universal validity of human rights and basic freedoms for all human beings - men and women alike. Diversity in practice requires a clear political and legal framework. Protection against discrimination and mutual respect and understanding are indispensable prerequisites for a successful dialogue between cultures and religions. The common goal of dialogue is peace and security at the local, national and international levels," asserted Plassnik.

Austria is primarily committed to strengthening women and involving young people in the intercultural dialogue. "Women and young people must be pro-active participants in dialogue, as they are the driving force behind the changes in their societies. Cultural diversity offers enormous opportunities and new perspectives, particularly for young people," continued Plassnik. Through international conferences and seminars, Austria has succeeded in raising the profile of women in dialogue and conflict resolution processes in recent months. The next such event is a workshop organised by the Ministry for European and International Affairs on "Inter-religious and Inter-cultural Dialogue from a Gender Perspective" to be held from 23 to 25 June in Vienna. It aims to further strengthen the voice and weight of women in dialogue in Europe and the Muslim world and contribute to pluralism.

Within its Development Cooperation programme Austria has taken numerous initiatives in recent years to promote cultural diversity and peaceful and secure co-existence. Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC), for instance, supports projects focusing on inter-cultural themes and development policy issues. Programmes furthering dialogue and encounters which contribute to conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peace building at the local, regional and global levels play a special role. "Respect for and promotion of cultural diversity are important resources for the sustainable development of communities, peoples and nations," concluded the Foreign Minister.

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