Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad on Thursday stressed the importance of inter-civilisational dialogue in fostering mutual understanding and global peace.

He made the remarks during the high-level event marking the International Day of Dialogue among Civilisations organised by the Permanent Mission of China to the UN, according to a press release by Pakistan’s Mission.

“… At this critical juncture of history when global peace and harmony is imperiled by myriad challenges, the significance of inter-civilisational dialogue cannot be overemphasised,” Ambassador Ahmad said.

He termed “dialogue and diplomacy as the most effective tools to transcend differences and foster mutual understanding and cooperation”.

The envoy stated that “it is the spirit of dialogue that enabled human civilisation to forge mutual respect and trust and chart a path of shared progress and development”.

The ambassador also highlighted the regional location of Pakistan, describing it as “the melting pot of many civilisations and religions”.

Ambassador Ahmad noted that the UN was “cognisant of and responsive to the interlinkage between international peace and dialogue among civilisations”.

“As a committed partner, Pakistan would continue its engagement with the United Nations and all member states for advancing our shared objectives of dialogue among civilisations, cultures and faiths, for global peace and prosperity,“ he affirmed.

“Values of interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence, diversity, pluralism and dialogue, are not only the defining features of Pakistani civilisation but also a driver of its foreign policy,” he said.

He recalled a resolution Pakistan co-sponsored with the Philippines in the same spirit, “Promotion of Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace”, which was adopted with consensus by the UN General Assembly on May 20.