Media Center

Press Release

SECRETARY GENERAL ANNOUNCES OAS INTENTION TO JOIN THE ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS

During the XVIII Policy Roundtable of the Organization of American States (OAS), entitled, “Learning to live together: Fostering integration, tolerance and Diversity in the Americas”, former President of Portugal and United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, Jorge Sampaio, extended an invitation to the OAS to become part of the Group of Friends of the Alliance, affirming that “we would like to count on the active cooperation of the OAS, and strengthen the presence of the Alliance on this part of the world.”

In response to the invitation, OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, announced that he will as soon as possible begin all the necessary steps to comply with this invitation. The Group of Friends of the Alliance of Civilizations consists of governments and international organizations that support the efforts to promote understanding among nations, and counter the rise of extremism and polarization.

In his introductory remarks, Insulza highlighted the pertinence of the date on which the event took place, making reference to three episodes that marked the history of the region: the attacks of September 11 in the United States, the military coup d'état and the destruction of the La Moneda Presidential Palace in Chile, and the signing of the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

“This is an appropriate day to talk about democracy, inclusion, respect, tolerance and diversity; it is a good moment to analyze how we can enrich human diversity,” affirmed Insulza, who also referred to the Inter-American Democratic Charter affirming that “this instrument sets the basis for an inclusive and diverse society establishing it as the essential element of democracy in the Americas. He also said that issues like the elimination of discrimination and intolerance, the protection of human rights and the respect for diversity in all its forms “have an important place in the agenda of the OAS and of its member States.”

Insulza concluded that “we are convinced that the nations of this planet can coexist based on mutual and civilized understanding; this will be possible as we learn to tolerate each other, and to respect the diversity of cultures, races, genders and opinions.”

On his part, President Sampaio, the keynote speaker at the event, highlighted the importance of “preserving cultural diversity as the fourth pillar of sustainable development”. He also noted the crucial role and support of civil society as “an indispensable partner to catalyze actions to promote dialogue and education that are the foundations of tolerance.”

He also pointed out that the Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations that will take place in the upcoming months in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, “will be a unique opportunity for the OAS to make an important contribution to foster the objectives of the Alliance in the region”. With these words he urged OAS Member States to become active and committed members of the Alliance.

Experts from various countries and non-governmental organizations also participated in the XVIII OAS Policy Roundtable with presentations focused on issues such as ethnic diversity, minority rights, promotion of tolerance and social inclusion. Divided into two panels, the roundtable featured: Hazel Law, Judge of the Appellate Court of the Autonomous Region of the Northern Atlantic of Nicaragua; Óscar Gamboa, Executive Director of the National Association of Mayors of Municipalities with Afro-descendant Populations of Colombia; Sean C. Carroll, Program Director of the Club of Madrid; Dina Siegel Vann, Director of the Latino and Latin American Institute of the American Jewish Committee; and Mark Bromley, President of the Council for Global Equality.

Reference: E-288/09