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World Day for Cultural Diversity Commemorated in Nigeria
Written by Dr. Raphael Ogar Oko, Secretary General, UPF-Nigeria
Friday, May 23, 2014
Abuja, Nigeria - The UN World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development was commemorated in Abuja on May 23, 2014, with a special leadership convocation at the Yaradua International Conference Center. Participants included Ambassadors of Argentina, Sudan, Tanzania and Niger Republic to Nigeria with several Ambassadors for Peace, women leaders, government representatives from the Federal Road Safety Commission, National Universities Commission, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the State Security Service among others.
In December 2002, the UN General Assembly declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development in order to provide "an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together better."
The program began with welcome remarks by Kevin Winter, international advisor of UPF-Nigeria, followed by an opening address by Ambassador for Peace Sunday Essien, national president of the South South Apex Farmers Association.
The message of the president of the UN General Assembly was read by Robert Okere, a Nigeria Ambassador for Peace in Ireland: "On this World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, I encourage all of us to recognize the importance of cultural diversity, both as a reflection of the richness of humankind, and as essential to the flourishing of countries and communities across the world. As we approach 2015, the international community is seeking to identify ways to promote inclusive socio-economic development across the world. Development needs to be truly sustainable and should be adapted to local contexts; it should rely on the cultural resources of countries and peoples, while respecting cultural rights."
Amb. (Dr.) Aisha Audu-Emeje, wife of the former governor of Kogi State, read the message of UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova: "Our cultural diversity is a stimulator of creativity. Investing in this creativity can transform societies. It is our responsibility to develop education and intercultural skills in young people to sustain the diversity of our world and to learn to live together in the diversity of our languages, cultures and religions, to bring about change."
The UPF Founder's message on Renewing the UN and Building a Culture of Peace was presented by Rev. George Ogurie, vice president of the Family Federation for World Peace-Nigeria.
The keynote lecture on Forging Global Cultural Partnership for Peace and Development in Nigeria was delivered by Dr. Paddy Njoku, dean of the Association of Ambassadors for Peace in Nigeria and chairman of the National Examination Council.
A special presentation on the Path to National Peace and Unification: UPF Vision 2020 was presented by Dr Raphael Ogar Oko, secretary general of UPF-Nigeria.
Goodwill messages were delivered by ambassadors to Nigeria from Argentina, Niger, Sudan and Tanzania as well as the executive secretary of the National Universities Commission, chief of staff of the Nigerian Army Headquarters, the minister of Women's Affairs and Social Development, and the Corps Marshall/CEO of the Federal Road Safety Corps. Ambassador for Peace certificates were presented to the four ambassadors in attendance and 12 other distinguished participants.
The event was reported on national radio and TV.
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