SAMIR SHAKIR MAHMOOD SUMAIDA’IE (Iraq) said critical economic, social and cultural changes were occurring rapidly as a result of the unprecedented developments in communication. That would lead to co-existence in all aspects of life, which meant that a genuine dialogue on the culture of peace was needed. There was a trend of arrogant mindsets trying to impose their cultures by marginalizing others. That was opposed by another trend, which rejected that approach. Unfortunately, there had been a turning inward and looking back to the past, which would lead to conflict between civilizations. God willing, that was only a temporary trend.

He called on the United Nations, all countries and civil society organizations to take part in activities that promoted dialogue between cultures, which was not just a philosophical concept but a realistic one that had been widely accepted by different populations. No country, regardless of its power, could be sheltered from other countries because all were now intertwined. All civilizations should reject negative practices in their quest for development and progress, and end any sense of supremacy and pre-eminence.

“We must all accept each other regardless of religious beliefs, lifestyles or cultures”, he said. Religions should not be a pretext for marginalizing and excluding others. Hotspots of tension could be created where extremism existed. The United Nations played a lead role in dialogue between civilizations. He especially thanked UNESCO and expressed hope that its midterm plan for 2007 would be successful.