Let us reaffirm our commitment to the values that foster peace—tolerance, respect, compassion, understanding, and – above all – heeding our conscience.
Your Excellency, Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations, Excellencies, Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I express my deep appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for organizing todays’ event – one that is emblematic of Bahrain’s active and laudable efforts to promote a culture of peace within the international community.
This is a calling that bears extraordinary resonance with the priorities of my Presidency – in particular, the anchor of my four watchwords: peace.
The International Day of Conscience is intended to remind the global community of the need to reflect internally and personally – and to recommit ourselves to the core values of building peaceful and inclusive societies.
And to that end, of the importance of mutual respect and understanding, solidarity, dialogue, tolerance, cooperation and – importantly – respect for human rights.
Excellencies,
While they may appear abstract, the extent to which we cherish or disregard these core values and principles is of paramount importance – and has profound consequences.
The preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights clearly reminds us that it was precisely the disregard and contempt for human rights that led to the barbarous acts which outraged the conscience of mankind in the middle of the 20th century.
If we neglect fundamental human rights; if we disregard or discard our core values; and if we ignore our conscience – we risk replicating those barbarous acts.
This is already visible in over 50 festering and active inter- and intra-state conflicts around the world – from the Gaza Strip to Ukraine, Sudan to Haiti and elsewhere.
Not only should our collective conscience be appalled – it should be heeded.
We must listen deeply to our inner selves and voice – that surge of compassion – telling us to resist and reject the instinct and impulse to war and revenge; and instead to courageously address their underlying causes.
It is in everyone’s interest that we make the choice to devote our attention and resources towards more productive endeavors that strengthen society by providing an enhanced sense of personal and community security. Endeavours such as promoting justice, the rule of law, democracy and good goverance.
Bearing in mind the times we are in, it must become our mission to work much harder and to give more increased and continuous focus to fostering cross-cultural and religious dialogue; to repudiate and bring to an end to the pernicious and destructive psychology of hate and to banish discrimination from every facet of human interaction, including discrimination on the basis of race and gender – ensuring sustainable development for all people, everywhere.
Dialogue is crucial in our efforts – to cultivate international understanding, harmony, peaceful co-existence, and tolerance.
Regular interaction, exchange of ideas and constructive debate – at platforms such as the United Nations – are vital for reconciling differences and fostering a lasting culture of peace, built on respect.
As true peace depends on our ability to not only acknowledge – but to value and celebrate our diversity, while respecting the fundamental humanity of those with whom we disagree.
It is vital that we achieve this balance without resorting to violence and discrimination – or any other action that threatens or undermines each other’s existence and dignity.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me close by emphasizing that our collective commitment to peace and prosperity is rooted in our shared sense of humanity, that which binds us together as a single human family.
A sentiment that has been continuously reinforced since the founding of our United Nations 78 years ago – and bolstered by our erstwhile commitment to multilateralism.
In the face of the myraid challenges confronting us, today is a testament to those sentiments and values – to which we must return, loudly reaffirm, and diligently nurture moving forward.
As we prepare for the Summit of the Future this September, let us cherish more of our shared humanity – and embrace the critical opportunity and potential of multilateralism as our united front in meeting and surmounting common challenges.
Let us, on this International Day of Conscience, proudly and vehemently reaffirm our commitment to peace – the one overarching imperative we need as a pre-requisite to attain all our Sustainable Development Goals.
And let us reaffirm our commitment to the values that foster peace—tolerance, respect, compassion, understanding, and – above all – heeding our conscience.
I thank you.
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