Statement by H.E. Mr. Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the United Nations at the High-level Event to Mark the International Day for Dialogue among[...]

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the delegation of China and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations for organizing this high-level event. It is an honor to join distinguished speakers and co-sponsors in commemorating the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations and exchanging views on the implementation of General Assembly resolution 78/286.

The promotion of mutual respect, tolerance, solidarity and international cooperation is firmly anchored in the resolution as guiding principles for States, international organizations and other stakeholders in advancing initiatives at the local, regional and international levels.

We firmly believe that every civilization and culture contributes to the common heritage of humankind. Recognition of the inherent dignity, value and historical contributions of all cultures rejects the logic of cultural confrontation and division. Instead, it promotes constructive engagement grounded in respect and fosters a culture of peace and non-violence.

In today's increasingly interconnected yet polarized world, challenges stemming from intolerance, extremism, racism, xenophobia, attacks against cultural heritage, denial of historical identities and the dissemination of false cultural narratives continue to undermine security, stability and sustainable development across societies.

In this spirit, the recently adopted General Assembly resolution "Education for Peace", initiated by Armenia, reaffirms the role of education as a foundation for culture of peace.

Diversity should never be instrumentalized as a source of division or conflict, but promote solidarity and shared progress. In this regard, the United Nations must remain steadfast in building bridges across cultures, societies and regions. It is equally important that we strengthen existing international mechanisms, platforms and initiatives that contribute to building a more just, peaceful and inclusive global community.

In this regard, Armenia underscores the central role of UNESCO as a leading United Nations agency in the protection of cultural heritage and promotion of education and culture as powerful instruments for peace and non-violence. We also recognize the important role of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in fostering intercultural and interreligious dialogue.

In the Yerevan Declaration adopted at the Eighth Ministerial Meeting, the Ministers of the Member States of the Ancient Civilizations Forum reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Forum as an intergovernmental platform for cooperation in the fields of cultural exchange, promotion of cultural heritage and the advancement of a peace.

Governments, academic institutions, civil society organizations and individuals share a responsibility to bring together diverse voices, traditions and perspectives in support of tolerance, mutual understanding and human rights through practical action.

Thank you.