CubaMinrex. Sitio del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Cuba

Statement by ambassador Rodolfo Benitez Verson, deputy permanent representative of Cuba, at the general debate on agenda item 14: dialogue between civilizations, and  45: culture of peace. Plenary Meeting of the 65th Session of the UN General Assembly.

New York, 18 October 2010.

Mr. President,
This Assembly declared the period 2001-2010 International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World. Today, in the face of the end of the Decade, we must frankly recognize we have not met the goals we set ourselves. 

Cuba considers the strict respect for the Charter of the United Nations and its principles is the fundamental basis to achieve a Culture of Peace.
Peace is not only the absence of conflicts.
Promoting a culture of peace requires the promotion of education at all levels, economic and social sustainable development, and respect for all human rights for all.  
There cannot be a culture of peace unless understanding, tolerance and solidarity are fostered, unless respect for the history, diverse religions and idiosyncrasy of each nation are promoted. Achieving a culture of peace requires respect for cultural diversity.
We note with concern some doctrines promoting the clash between civilizations, demonizing thousand-year-old cultures and religions. Every doctrine based on racial or cultural superiority must be firmly rejected. The intention of some to relate certain cultures and religions to terrorism and violence is equally unacceptable.  

Mr. President,

To achieve the prevalence in the world of a Culture of Peace, clear commitments and concrete actions to promote sustainable development and environmental protection are necessary. Obstacles to the realization of the right of peoples to self-determination must be also eliminated. 

There cannot be a Culture of Peace as long as the acquisition of territories through war is not recognized as unacceptable and some States act contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and International Law.

A Culture of Peace is not promoted by threatening the sovereignty and independence of other nations.
How can a Culture of Peace be achieved if, on one hand, annual military expenditures increase at an accelerated rate, reaching the staggering figure of 1.531 trillion dollars, while, on the other hand, the number of hungry people reaches the record figure of 925 millions, thus affecting one sixth of the world population?

The introduction of the study of different cultures and civilizations in educational curricula would be an excellent contribution to the promotion of a culture of peace. The teaching of languages, history and sociopolitical philosophy of civilizations could be also included.    
Mass media must also play an important role in spreading human values. Ethical conduct and responsibility of the media must be promoted, so that they contribute to the mutual respect and dialogue among civilizations.
Cuba supports the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace and the Global Agenda for Dialogue among Civilizations and its Programme of Action. We also support UNESCO programs and practical initiatives on this topic.

Mr. President,
A better world is possible.
As wisely stated in the Constitution of UNESCO, and I quote: since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.
The solution lies in our hands. We must act without delay for a Culture of Peace to prevail over the Culture of Violence and War.

Thank you

(Cubaminrex-Misión ONU)