Achieving Dialogue and Development through Cultural Diversity

            Cultural diversity is a topic that concerns us all; whether at GIMUN's Annual Conference, in our respective universities or within our respective countries. Cultural diversity is the expression of a reality that is the same in any society, although on a practical level it is shown very differently in different regions of the world. This makes it a powerful principle upon which universal cohesion can be based, as the United Nations -- particularly UNESCO -- noticed in 2001 after the tragic incident of 9/11. The declaration drafted in November 2001 aims to make the world's population aware of the differences and incomprehensions that can take place when intercultural dialogue is not sufficiently established.

            Peace, as analyzed by the UNESCO's member states, is only possible where intercultural dialogue exists and potential conflicts can only be solved by understanding and realizing this key principle of global dynamics. Cultural diversity is an aspect that is often neglected by the states, and the uniformization of our society tends to remain in the background of some habits and attitudes that exist in every society, when paradoxally they should be made easier through the use of the new communication and the rapid development of technology. UNESCO'S Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity aims to make the world aware of the importance of this phenomenon and is it UNESCO'S hope for the implementation of this international document becomes as recognized as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; a source of inspiration for the UDCD. The main difficulty that cultural diversity causes is dialogue and intercultural development, in which the expression « understanding incomprehension » is an important challenge to achieve.

            This topic has been chosen as the focal point of GIMUN's Annual Conference this year because it is more necessary than ever to remind people of this principle that not only the United Nations, but all States, should implement. The value of dialogue in this field is crucial because it allows intercomprehension and therefore pacific solutions. Taking this reality into account will be determining in reaching technological and human development. Cultural diversity is a topic that concerns all sectors of the United Nations, and must therefore be taken into account in any decisional process. We therefore hope that all delegates will be able to implement these principles not only during debates at GIMUN's 2012 Annual Conference, but also within their own communities.