"Indonesia has been chosen to deliver a key speech because they consider Indonesia as an example of cultura; diversity eventally becoming a source of strength," the head of state said at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force base in eastern Jakarta on Monday prior to his departure to France.
"They understand that managing diverisity is not easy, and what have been done in this respect," he said.
The president said in his speech he would also call on the world to be united and respect the diferrences that exist among cultures and civiliztions in order to be better able to address global problems.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and First lady Ani Yudhoyono left for France here Monday for a four-day working visit in Paris and Cannes, from October 31 to November 4, 2011.
The head of state will speak at a special UNESCO session marking the 10th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity.
The president`s special aide for international relations, Teuku Faizasyah said here on Saturday that the invitation to President Yudhoyono was a manifestation of UNESCO`s appreciation for the Indonesian government`s commitment to protecting and promoting cultural diversity as living assets.
Faiza said UNESCO`s invitation showed the world community`s recognition of the cultural works owned and protected by the Indonesian government and people.
"The Indonesian President`s participation in the UNESCO program will give us a chance to enhance our active role as a bridge-builder and afvocate of conflict resolution through inter-cultural cooperation," he said.
Members of the presidential entourage include Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa, member of the Presidential Advisory Council Hassan Wirajuda (former foreign minister), Teuku Fiazasyah, and presidential spokesman Julian A Pasha.
(Uu.F001/HAJM/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
