practicing cultural diversity through different mediums. It is pertinent to educate youth in particular, and the masses in general about the importance of diversity of cultures to create harmony and social peace. The consistent and lasting peace among the diverse ethnic groups would foster social and economic development, he added.
Quoting the Unesco Director General, Munir said, “Our cultural diversity is the common heritage of humanity. It is a source of renewal of ideas and societies, through which we open up to others and craft new ways of thinking. This diversity provides opportunities for peace and sustainable development.”
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest, Muhammad Azam Khan, said, “Pakistani society is a civilized one which has links with Indus and Gandhara civilizations that has inherited tolerance for other cultures. Just go to the nearby Saidpur Village where a mosque, Hindu and Sikh temples are situated in the same vicinity. History shows that all the religions were living peacefully and used to respect each other and work together.”
He said as a modern-day country, Pakistan respects the cultures of every country and we have cultural promotion ties with almost every single country. The cultural diversity is like a bouquet of different kind of flowers that give a pleasant look and fragrance.
The founder and the chairperson of the Roots School System, Riffat Mushtaq, said, “The 3-day Pakistan Festival Cultural Diversity has provided an excellent platform for the promotion of international understanding and intercultural awareness. It is necessary to prepare our children to contribute to developing the global vision and keeping the cultural traditions alive. Above all, showcasing of diverse cultures by our children would foster respect and understanding of peoples of the world. The valuing diverse cultures is all about respecting and understanding the beliefs of others, as we would expect someone to respect ours.
Unesco Pakistan Director Vibeke Jensen said the resolution adopted in December 2013 by the United Nations General Assembly, recognising the role of culture as a driver and enabler of sustainable development, is an invitation to further mobilise the potential of cultural diversity. This diversity is a valuable resource for attaining development goals, including fighting poverty and promoting gender equality, quality education and human rights, and we must fully integrate it into the global strategies for sustainable development.
In another event, the PNCA Director General Muhammad Naeem distributed certificates and shields among the participating students and organisations including over 100 students of the Roots Schools, Government College of Women, Satellite Town, 6th Road, Rawalpindi, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi Arts Council and the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab.