UN General Assembly
2013

to have acceded to the remaining instruments of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons at this year’s treaty-signing event. Our role in world affairs is based on justice and democratic values, with the aim of ensuring international peace and security and supporting disarmament. The promotion of cultural expression and interfaith and intercultural dialogue is essential for peace and development in the post-2015 era. My personal initiatives to disseminate those values at home and abroad were recognized by UNESCO in 2012, when we were awarded the Cultural Diversity Medal. Culture is integral to the identity of every State Member of the United Nations. Therefore, my country has proposed — to UNESCO and in the General Assembly’s thematic debate on culture and development — including culture as a theme of the post-2015 development agenda. I reiterate that call here today and request the support of all present. Bangladesh is hampered by resource constraints and inadequate external assistance. To achieve the MDGs by 2015 and to implement the post-2015 development goals, we need our development partners