Library Talk: Solidarity, Dialogue and Tolerance among Nations: Towards a Culture of Peace

Ambassador Jurkovič [Ambassador Ivan Jurkovič, Holy See]
Ambassador Gomez, [Ambassador Elayne Whyte Gómez, Costa Rica]
Archbishop Tomasi [Silvano Tomasi, autor and former Holy See Permanent Observer]
Excellences,
Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to warmly welcome you, Archbishop Tomasi, back to the Palais des Nations, to the building where you worked for a better world for more than a decade as the Representative of the Holy See. A big thank you on behalf of all of us for your hard work, your commitment, and for your leadership for the betterment of humanity.

Today’s discussion marks the International Day of Tolerance. Tolerance is the respect that we hold for others and for those opinions and beliefs which may differ from our own.

Tolerance is the foundation of the United Nations Charter. It is at the core of everything we strive for at the United Nations. Unity in diversity!

Promoting tolerance and respect for others is more important than ever – particularly in today’s world where xenophobia, isolationism and nationalism are on the rise. It is at times like these when we all must take responsibility and further strengthen cooperation and show tolerance.

Tolerance represents a commitment – a commitment to reaching out and seeing differences not as barriers, but as a contribution to a deeper dialogue and a richer understanding of others.

These reflections are brought out in the book: “The Vatican in the Family of Nations”.

This collection of statements chronicles the diplomatic actions of the Holy See here in UN Geneva over more than 13 years, in an engaging personal account by Archbishop Tomasi.

It is a powerful illustration of the many ways in which the Holy See is an indispensable partner in the promotion of common values and dialogue.

Its steadfast efforts to build a society united around shared values are clearly spelt out in the Archbishop’s book, and I encourage you to read it.

In these challenging times, we must strengthen our collective committment to these values and recommit to a culture of tolerance. Kofi Annan said it best, as he often did: “Tolerance is a virtue that makes peace possible.”

I wish you a rich discussion.

Thank you.