VIENNA, MAY 27 – On the backdrop of the European election, the United Nations Secretary General said today that a balance of diversity and culture is a source of “enormous richness, not a threat”. Speaking alongside UN Messenger of Peace, acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma in the Austrian capital, Vienna, Guterres said that it was particularly important “in the present debate in Europe” to adopt “a universal perspective for peace, for human dignity, for human rights” and the values enshrined in the UN Charter.
“Societies today are multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-cultural. And that is a richness, not a threat”, said Guterres. Like an orchestra featuring musicians from around the world, they need to practice to play harmoniously: “It is the with society” he added.
“Diversity requires investment. Social, cultural, political, religious; sometimes investment in social cohesion – to make sure that in a diverse society, every community feels that their identity is being respected – like the identity of the violinist needs to be respected, together with each instrumentalist, said the Secretary General, adding that migration too, needs investment, instead of letting people smugglers and traffickers profit from it, and letting fear of migrants fester, “we need to invest in international cooperation, we need to invest in adequate forms of migration”.
Guterres’ visit marked the 40th anniversary of the UN Office at Vienna, home to many key agencies and bodies. As one of the main headquarters, he said he was convinced the work done in Vienna would help preserve peace and security for the world, during trying times. (@OnuItalia)
