STATEMENT
BY
AMBASSADOR MAKMUR WIDODO
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
BEFORE THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON AGENDA ITEM 32:

United Nations Year of Dialogue Among Civilizations

NEW YORK, 13 NOVEMBER 2000

Mr. President,

At the outset, my delegation would like to recognize and express appreciation for the continued and tireless efforts made over the past two years by Iran, under the guidance of His Excellency President Khatami, in bringing this issue of a dialogue among civilizations to the UN agenda.  Let me also thank the distinguished representative of Iran for his informative introductory statement delivered earlier this morning. My delegation also welcomes the report of the Secretary-General, contained in document A/55/492, which indicates that call for the dialogue among civilizations has been well received across the world.  And that it has led to the launch of a number of initiatives aimed at celebrating and diffusing the fear of diversity and underscoring the importance of inclusion.

A dialogue among civilizations is truly a most fitting and timely subject for our collective consideration, not only because we are now at the beginning of a new era in history, but also due to the tremendous changes occurring throughout the world.  Indeed, Indonesia looks forward to the implementation of the many promotional activities that will be held in celebration of this event.  Today, more than any other time in history, the diverse cultures of mankind are coming together.  Faster forms of communication via the internet and increased population mobility within and among all countries is bringing increasing contact between all corners of the world.

Mr. President,

It is fitting that the year 2001 has been proclaimed as the United Nations Year of Dialogue Among Civilizations.  It clearly indicates the direction in which we embark and the commitment of the international community to securing a world of tolerance, thoughtful deliberation, and equality. Through the adoption of the Year of Dialogue, we seek greater global integration and stability through better understanding between nations and peoples, thus achieving a higher level of trust and a better awareness of our mutual goals and objectives. The convening of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance to be held during the same year further supports the notion that we in the international community are determined to craft a global environment of peace, security and equality, where diversity is viewed as a strength.

Never before in the history of mankind have we, as diverse cultures and peoples, been brought into such immediate contact with one so rapid and pervasive. Technology, advances in communication and the rapid entry of globalization as the new paradigm of international relations all offer significant benefit and advantages that we either adapt to, or ignore at great peril.

Often when we discuss of the virtues and vises of globalization, it is within the context of the global economy and business relationships: the free flow of goods and services from one corner of the globe to another.  But globalization also brings greater interrelationships between people and increased interaction among cultures.  History will tell us that this exchange of ideas and exposure to new concepts and traditions is a positive force that has greatly benefited humanity.  Therefore, we should take this new force of globalization and give it a human face through dialogue among civilizations.

The international year holds considerable implications for the dialogue that exists between the North and South, rich and poor.  I would recall that the Eighth Summit of the Organization of Islamic Conference in 1997 did emphasize the imperative of positive interaction, dialogue and understanding among cultures and religions, and that it did reject the theories of clash and conflict.  Indonesia fully subscribes to this viewpoint and believes that both developed and developing countries can only benefit from an increased knowledge and awareness of other cultures and traditions.  For it is these very elements that shape the goals we seek in development and provide context for our individual visions of the future.

Indonesia would recall the statement by the Personal Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Giandomenico Picco, during the roundtable on dialogue among civilizations, convened by Iran and UNESCO on 5 September 2000, that the dialogue is so relevant because of "the self-evident need for all to learn how to manage diversity better."  At no time in history has this become more important than it is today, as we all seek to adapt to and cope with the new paradigm of globalization and enhanced forms of mass communication.  Certainly globalization risks creating an imbalance within certain societies and regions as new ideas and methods of operation can be injected at such a rapid pace that they do not allow the opportunity of acceptance.  Therefore in the absence of a dialogue among civilizations, we can foresee increased misunderstanding on many different levels and in a wide range of activities. Likewise, we consider it equally important for us to understand our internal situations, as well as external.

Mr. President,

The importance that Indonesia attaches to the Dialogue is evident in the participation of President Abdurrahman Wahid in the roundtable discussions.  At that event, President Wahid indicated that without this dialogue among civilizations there is no compulsion for us to have an intensified internal dialogue.  In fact, if there is to be a successful dialogue among nations, there must also be a dialogue within nations.  For Indonesia, with its many diverse ethnic groups and religious practitioners, this is particularly true.

Following more than 30 years of a rigid political system, we are now beginning to see the growth and full expression of democracy in Indonesia.  This expression has, however, shed light on the contradictions that exist between modernization and traditionalism, and those who cling to a singular view of the world.  Internally, we in Indonesia must have such a dialogue, and begin to understand how we can reconcile traditionalism and modernity.  We believe that the internal dialogue will support our determination for a successful dialogue among civilizations, while at the same time we see the dialogue among civilizations as important in providing the context for deliberations at the national level.

I should like to conclude by underscoring the forward-looking nature of a dialogue among civilizations, and its support of the outcome of the Millennium Summit. In that effort, we would encourage all members and elements of society in joining in a dialogue both among and within civilizations.  We therefore lend our support to the draft resolution contained in document A/55/L.30, and its call on governments to encourage such participation in the dialogue.  We also welcome the decision to be made through this resolution to devote two-days of plenary meetings at the 56^th session of the General Assembly to consider this item, including follow-up measures.  We are confident in the success of the United Nations Year of Dialogue Among Civilizations, and for our part Indonesia will continue to contribute to the success of the Year at the highest level.

Thank you.