"The previous paradigm of `I and you` should now be changed into `we`," he said.Paris (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on all parties in the world to join Indonesia in creating a new approach to the development of multicultural life.
In his speech at the special session of the 36th UNESCO General Conference to mark the 10th anniversary of the declaration of universal cultural diversity here on Wednesday, President Yudhoyono said a new approach must be found to develop understanding over cultural diversity and differences.
"The previous paradigm of `I and you` should now be changed into `we`," he said.
President Yudhoyono said with the new paradigm differences of opinion could be reduced to promote positive multicultural life that will eventually promote respect for human rights.
"I cannot deny that the world is not free from prejudices and other negative notions but we must challenge it with unity and mutual respect," he said.
Indonesia, he said, had experienced a number of problems relating to ethnic issues that ended in conflict but through common efforts by all componennt of the nation, the awareness had grown that diversity was a national asset that could be used to advance life and so the conflict could be settled.
"The experience later turns into a lesson and has turned Indonesia to into one of the world`s biggest democracies," he said.
An approach that accommodated local interests and respected local cultures helped settle problems like in Aceh and Poso, he said.
President Yudhoyono said Indonesia was grateful that it was living in diversity and adhered to the principle of unity in diversity.
He said he hoped its experience in managing its multicultural life consisting of various ethnic groups, hundreds of different local languages could contribute to respect to cultural diversity that UNESCO has long declared.
President Yudhoyono said as current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Indonesia is supporting efforts to develop understanding on different cultures of ASEAN member countries with regard to creating a region with cultural diversity and promoting common welfare.
UNESCO Director General Irina Borkova praised Indonesia for its capability in preserving its cultural diversity in view of that fact that the nation consists of a lot of different ethnic groups, local languages and local cultures.
"I expressed my appreciation to Indonesia, a country with cultural diversity," she said.
President Yudhoyono in his speech also expressed appreciation to UNESCO that has helped Indonesia protect and develop its cultures including its recognition of the country`s heritages such as batik, kris and its assistance for the maintenance of Borobudur and Prambanan temples.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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