India reiterates Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam to promotes religious unity at 11th UNAOC
P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), emphasized India’s position on the global stage as a nation with a rich civilization and diverse heritage, drawing upon the principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the concept of the world as one family—and Sarva Dharma Samabhav, which champions equal respect for all faiths.
According to the MEA, P. Kumaran led India’s delegation at the 11th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he presented India’s national statement during the High-Level Meeting of the Group of Friends of UNAOC.
In his speech, he underscored the significance of UNAOC in fostering harmony among nations and cultures worldwide.
The 11th UNAOC, hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh from December 14–15, revolves around the overarching theme, “UNAOC: Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity — Advancing a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding in a Multipolar World.”
In a press release, UNAOC noted that this global forum arrives at a pivotal moment in history, characterized by increasing divides, widespread conflicts, and diminishing confidence in the effectiveness of global governance structures and the multilateral system.
It gathered political leaders, international and regional organizations, religious figures, and faith representatives, alongside members of the private sector, civil society, academia, youth, arts, sports, and media, all aiming to renew their collective commitment to the enduring significance of dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding.
As UNAOC approaches its third decade, the forum presents a perfect opportunity to celebrate the 20th anniversary of UNAOC and to outline its future direction in the quest for lasting peace.
Established in 2005 as a political initiative by Kofi Annan, the former UN Secretary-General, the UNAOC was co-sponsored by the Governments of Spain and Turkey.
Annan formed a High-Level Group of experts tasked with investigating the roots of polarization between societies and cultures and suggesting a practical action plan to address the issue.
The report produced by the group offered an analysis and presented actionable recommendations that serve as the foundation for UNAOC’s implementation plan.