Latin American Forum: Cultural Diversity is an Asset

South and Central America – In the context of the UN World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, designated as May 21, UPF-Latin America held an online forum with expert panelists from Latin America and the Caribbean on the theme “Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and the Promotion of Peace for All.”

The event was held on May 29, 2026, organized in collaboration with UPF affiliates – the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), the International Association of Academicians for Peace (IAAP), and the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD).

Mr. Mario Salinas, regional secretary general of UPF for Latin America and the Caribbean, served as moderator. In his opening statement he said: “Cultural diversity can be seen in various manifestations: religious beliefs, music, language, art, work, and in all human activity. Because in everything we do, we reflect our culture as a community, society or nation. And these particular characteristics are not only beautiful; they also enrich our spiritual, moral, emotional and intellectual lives.” Mr. Raul Rey Benegas, president of UPF-Uruguay, then welcomed participants and opened the discussion.

The first panelist was Mr. Stalin Patricio Jaramillo Peña, a prominent social activist and cultural advocate in Ecuador, and recipient of the Medal of Merit for Cultural and Social Strengthening of the country by the National Assembly of Ecuador. He said, “Cultural diversity teaches us the value of respect, tolerance and mutual understanding. It reminds us that every language, every dance, every artistic expression, and every tradition is a fundamental part of our people’s heritage and an invaluable contribution to human and social development.”

Mr. Jaramillo noted that Ecuador is a model of multiculturalism with diverse cultural traditions. He described how a peace agreement signed in October 1998 to end a border conflict between Ecuador and Peru promoted development through the exchange of goods and services, as well as culture.

Ms. María Eugenia Crespo of Argentina is director of growth, learning and impact for the United Religions Initiative. “Diversity can be understood, and should be understood, as an opportunity, a gift, a blessing,” she said. “We see enormous, immense pain and it's darkness, this fragmentation, this polarization of ideas, thoughts, and cultures against one another. We have to do something, and it's wonderful to be here to try to think about how we can do it together.”

In her presentation, Ms. Crespo spoke about the welcome URI has received in Honduras from indigenous leaders and various naturalist and spiritual groups since its arrival in 2024, and that they have great hope for its development and growth.

The next panelist was Dr. Virginia Zegarra Larroche, a sociologist from Peru, who titled her presentation The Wealth of Diversity: Pathways to Coexistence and Peace. “Often, many people think that differences are an obstacle, a problem to be solved, or something that separates us,” she said. “But I assure you, with complete conviction, that this is not the case. Diversity is not the enemy of peace: it is a prerequisite, something necessary for true peace. What truly disrupts coexistence, what generates conflict, is not the differences themselves, but the inability to understand them, the lack of respect, or the failure to see in them a wonderful opportunity to grow and enrich us together.”

In the final presentation Mr. Cheic Alphonse, a youth worker at the Ministry of Education of Saint Lucia, shared his experience working with children, especially providing sports and musical activities. He stressed that investing in programs for children is critical to ensure they do not become involved in crime.

Mr. Araya concluded the event by thanking the participants and inviting them to work together on initiatives that contribute to the well‑being of their nations.

By Mario Salinas, Secretary General, UPF-Latin America May 29, 2026