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• Statement by Secretary-General Don McKinnon on World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Statement by Secretary-General Don McKinnon on World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

21 May 2007

Multiculturalism is the bedrock of a vibrant and dynamic society. It enables creativity and innovation to flourish, contributing to the richness of an ever-evolving tapestry of values, traditions, beliefs and ways of life.

Cultural plurality promotes understanding and acceptance of diversity. The strengthening of respect and tolerance for diversity in all its forms makes for a peaceful and stable society. 

Culture is an intrinsic part of our identity: it shapes our character, thinking and action.

The Commonwealth – with a third of the world’s population spread across six continents – is home to people of every colour and creed, and to a multitude of cultures, traditions, languages and institutions.  In the words of Nelson Mandela soon after South Africa returned to the organization in 1994: ‘the Commonwealth makes the world safe for diversity’. 

A deeply held principle of this family of 53 nations, as enshrined in the 1991 Harare Declaration, is that ‘we believe in the liberty of the individual under the law, in equal rights for all citizens regardless of gender, race, colour, creed or political belief’. 

Not only do we believe in the freedom to practise a culture; we believe in culture as being a fundamental expression of self.

One of the ways in which the Commonwealth is helping to promote intercultural dialogue and multiculturalism is through a Commission, led by Nobel Laureate Professor Amartya Sen, which is currently examining ways to promote respect and understanding between people and across all divides – social, economic, and cultural – and to bind societies together.  The Commission is a response to a mandate given by Commonwealth Heads of Government when they last met in Malta in 2005.  It will report back to Heads when they next meet, in Uganda in November this year.

Building respect, understanding, tolerance and trust are critical to the successful integration of a society.

Meanwhile cultural diversity cannot thrive without respect for human rights.   It is governments themselves who create the environment for cultural plurality.  All can start by signing and ratifying the 1966 United Nations International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.  Not to do so – whether in the Commonwealth or beyond – is to fail to recognize an integral element of realising human potential.