Second Resolution Approved!

On Thursday 25th of May, the last official session was held at the Faculty of Social Science in Ljubljana. The third issue states discussed about was the topic of Diversity management which remains quite a challenge also for the most homogenous countries.

At this year’s session states recognized a need to address inequalities and discrimination within the international society. The third session was an opportunity to reaffirm state's conviction that intercultural dialogue is the best option to properly regulate diversity. The topic of managing diversity is quite sensitive and can cause negative emotions if it is not addressed carefully. This fact was also raised by some states after establishing general speaker list where delegations urged to smart, careful and thoughtful debate. Because of our diverse society within international community, it is vital to provide harmonious interaction among people and different groups with diverse identities. The representative of Canada on that point stressed out that instead of being afraid of diversity we should look at it as opportunity to increase human capital. Diversity as a driving force of sustainable development contribute to strengthen tolerance, democracy and social cohesion.

Later on, representative of Canada proposed a motion to introduce Draft Resolution 1.0. which passed with twelve votes in favor. The Draft Resolution whose sponsors are Canada, Finland and Sweden was signed by Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Ethiopia, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Norway and Senegal. Reaffirming Constitution of UNESCO and the Charter of the United Nations the Draft Resolution, in order to achieve international cooperation and to promote the respect of human rights without any discrimination, proposes establishment of UN Diversity Platform which would connect all UN agencies and other bodies in partnership for education in managing diversity.

After the Draft Resolution was introduced, some states were a bit skeptical about it. Representative of Israel emphasized that establishing a new platform has no additional value. Under the wings of UN already exists many mechanisms and different bodies through which the educational programs could be implemented and in that way establishing new platform would be meaningless. Similar opinion was expressed also by U.S., when its permanent representative firstly affirmed that it is crucial to achieve integrated society if the international community wants peace in the future, but for accomplishing this important goal the Resolution is not necessary. Each country should choose how to deal with its own problems and how to regulate the issue of diversity.

During the session states addressed also the issue of education as precondition for achieving social cohesion within the international community. States agreed that education is a driving force for good integration process and represent a key factor in integrated society. To ensure a quality education, states should develop specific educational programs and strategies which would contribute to the promotion of awareness of the positive value of diversity. For that purpose states signatories of the Draft Resolution recommended strong incentives, financial and technical support that would be realized through different forms of strategies and educational programs.

After four hours of discussion states managed to adopt Draft Resolution 1.0. where they recognized the social integration and cohesion as a central part of economic development and political sustainability.