KABUL (SW) – Experts believe respect for Afghanistan’s cultural diversity as a value can be used for the prosperity and growth of society instead of fueling political rivalries, leading to political and security stability.
May 21 is International Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
As a habitat for diverse ethnicities and nationalities, Afghanistan is home to a variety of cultures, traditions and ideas.
Expers emphasize that cultural diversity must be reflected and strengthened as a national value.
In an interview with Salam Watandar, Zia-ul-Haq Shams, a sociologist, criticised the approach of governments throughout the country’s history to the cultural diversity.
He said that given the country’s history, the ruling circles have always used it as a means of maintaining power, and they have not done much to promote mutual acceptance under the umbrella of cultural diversity in Afghanistan.
“The rulers had a secondary view of cultural issues and used cultural wealth to maintain their power. Most of the cultural work in Afghanistan was developed in a partisan manner.”
On the other hand, Tariq Farhadi, expert on political issues, considers the roots of Afghanistan’s cultural pluralism in the history of the country and emphasizes that respect for different cultures and ideas can form people’s representative governments.
“Once all the people are in line with the government, other problems, such as security and political problems, will be solved,” he said. “Respect for ethnicities, cultures and ideas in the country is very important.”
In late 2002, the United Nations General Assembly designated May 21 as World Cultural Diversity Day for Dialogue and Development to honor cultural diversity.
ENDS
