“Recognition of cultural diversity is an essential condition for ensuring the dignity of peoples” says President Ben Ali
Tunis, July 2, 2009- “Recognition of cultural diversity is an essential condition for ensuring the dignity of peoples and preserving their identity and distinctive specificities”, said President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in his opening address to the 10 th session of the General Conference of the of the Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), on Thursday.
President Ben Ali stressed ISESCO’s prominent role since its inception in 1982, in enhancing the image of Islam and in promoting joint Islamic action in the fields of education, science and culture . He also exhorted the organization to pursue dialogue with “the principal counterparts of Western civilisation, such as European Union, the United States of America and Latin America , in order to remove the negative accumulations of the times of aversion, skepticism and suspicion and promote mutual understanding and respect .”
He also highlighted the need to open up to emigrant Islamic competences to promote education, culture and sciences and to meet the requirements of a sustainable development.
“Our Islamic nation needs today to close ranks and join its efforts, and to optimize the use of its considerable human resources, while remaining committed to its roots and specificities , in tune with the spirit of the time”, he added.
Prior to his address, Tunisia’s President listened to an address by ISESCO’s Secretary General, Dr Abdulaziz Altwaijri.
He also received the Medal of Honor for 2009 of the International Crans Montana Forum, in Monaco, from its President Mr Jean Paul Carteron, as well as the Golden Shield of the World Renewable Energy Network, from the hands of its Director General, Prof Ali Sayigh.
This story was written on
July 2 2009 in the
Politics section
