Iran Press/America: The letter emphasized the deep cultural roots of Nowruz, a festival recognized by the United Nations General Assembly as a "Culture of Peace."
Nowruz, celebrated on March 21st, coincides with the spring equinox and is observed by millions across the Middle East and Central Asia.
Abdipour highlighted the festival’s Iranian origins and its profound impact on promoting humanitarian values, diplomacy, environmental stewardship, and cultural diversity throughout history.
“Nowruz remains a powerful symbol of social peace, love, and unity, transcending ethnic and national boundaries,” Abdipour wrote. “Iran’s rich cultural heritage, exemplified by figures such as Hafez Shirzai, Saadi Shirzai, and Molana Jalaluddin Muhammad Balkhi(Also known as Rumi), continues to shine as a beacon of global culture and literature.
At its core, Nowruz represents the eternal connection between human dignity and peace.”Abdipour further noted that the principles of Nowruz were pioneered by the ancient ruler Cyrus the Great, whose legacy of peace is immortalized in the Cyrus Cylinder, considered the first human rights charter.
Drawing on this tradition, Abdipour urged global leaders to support the Middle East Peace Plan initiated by the Nations of Nowruz Foundation, which seeks to engage non-governmental organizations and civil society in peacemaking efforts.
Key points of the proposed Middle East Peace Plan include:
1. Collaborative Diplomacy: Recognizing the limitations of traditional diplomatic efforts, the letter calls for increased collaboration between governments and capable non-governmental organizations to address current global challenges.
2. Cultural Soft Power: Abdipour emphasized the importance of cultural influence in resolving conflicts, noting that the enduring celebration of Nowruz among diverse ethnicities and political groups offers a unifying force for peace.
3. Global Partnerships: The Nations of Nowruz Foundation is prepared to work alongside the United Nations and other NGOs to lead grassroots efforts promoting peace, with an urgent focus on preventing the escalation of global conflicts.
4. Religious Teachings and Peace: The letter underscored the role of religious and cultural teachings, including Nowruz, as pillars of peace that bring together people from all backgrounds.In closing, Abdipour expressed concern over the potential for increased global conflicts and reaffirmed the foundation's readiness to contribute to peace initiatives under the leadership of the United Nations.
“We unequivocally condemn war and violence against defenseless people,” Abdipour stated, calling for immediate efforts to prevent further destruction and loss of life.
The Nations of Nowruz Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting peace and humanitarianism, aims to extend its influence by creating opportunities for dialogue and cooperation through the spirit of Nowruz.
The letter concluded with Abdipour's heartfelt wishes for continued success to those working toward lasting global peace.
This appeal from the Nowruz Foundation adds to growing international efforts to address ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, with an emphasis on cultural diplomacy as a pathway to peace.
206
Read More:
Nowruz Celebration in Lahore: A Fusion of Cultures
