Out of more than 3,000 applicants worldwide, only 100 participants qualified to join the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) the 6th Global Forum and Youth Event in Bali, Indonesia on 28-30 August 2014. The theme was "Unity and Diversit: Celebrating Diversity for Common and Shared Values". I blessed with the chance to participate in this one of great stories of my life.
Gathered in Bali on 28 August for the Youth Event of UNAOC 2014 with another 99 outstanding youth from around the globe would be an unforgettable moment for me. The Youth Event took specific topic "The Role of Youth in Promoting 'Unity in Diversity' through Education, Media, Migration, and Entrepreneurship/Employment. It was one full-agenda day consists of brief addresses from the UN-High Representative for Alliance of Civilizations, H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Dr. Marty R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa, also focus group discussion, field trip to the greatest Balinese cultural site, Pura Taman Ayun, and closed with plenary session with key remarks by the UN-Secretary General, H.E. Mr. Ban Ki Moon. The last one was so special and surprising because the confirmation of attendance of the UNSG just published on the final draft that distributed on August 27 night without planned previously. It has been indicating that the UN more and more holds high and strong commitments for youth engagement on shaping the global issues at present and for the future. We feel very proud to have Ban Ki Moon in our session to reaffirm the importance of youth in solving global crisis now and paving the way to a better world in future at the same time. Make a difference, that's the key essential message called by the UN Secretary General to us. Ban Ki Moon strongly recommends us to not only being the leaders of tomorrow but also history-makers because the globalization makes world moving very rapidly and quickly than ever before. He pointed out that youth with their creativity, energy, innovative ideas and positive thinking will lead the global agendas better. Last but not least, he also stressed that regarding the issue of alliance of civilizations, youth should play their role as peace-builder and agent of inter-cultural harmony so that the 'Unity in Diversity' as has been practicing in Indonesia could being best practice in other countries too as well as the 100 selected participants comes from different backgrounds, cultures, religions, ethnics and races, etc.
Actually, 'Unity in Diversity' in Indonesian terms is Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, our national motto that symbolizing one integrity of all entities and life which lives from Sabang (west) to Merauke (east), from Miangas (north) to Pulau Rote (south). The diversity that exists in our nation is not a barrier to be integrated under one identity, one language, one flag and one patria, this is the Indonesia want to show to the global communities through become host for the 6th UNAOC Global Summit this year.
In my own opinion as well as the answer for question when filled out the application form to participate in this event, as following:
"Unity and diversity is like two sided coin, it cannot be separated. While the diversity is given, the unity is artificial. While diversity is condition, the unity is decision. As civilized human in the globalization era, we have to fully aware that we are connected to each other and live in the same planet where all different aspects of civilizations exists. Bridging the diversity is not easy; We must adopt common and shared values and principles first and then strongly committed to implement it. This is essential phase to improve further cooperation and collaboration among different cultures and civilizations that bring to the goal, unity in diversity".
To conclude, as one of youth delegates, I committed to always hold the principles of mutual respect and mutual understanding in making relations with other peoples. I also believe in democracy and equality that should be implemented in our daily activities. Not being selfish and make differences in our life, these to remind us how to contribute ourselves in improving our quality life and making better global future.
