The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, on Monday called on it members of the commonwealth, donors and the civil society, to trigger a paradigm shift, by incorporating culture in their development agenda.

This was contained in statement issued by Mrs Lydia Amartey, Deputy Director of the Public Affairs Bureau, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Accra.

The statement, which was in accordance with the Commonwealth Day celebration on March 12, said the culture was a key factor in sustaining peace and development.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “connecting cultures”.

It said in spite of the inherent advantages culture brought to development, the necessary prominence had not been given in development agendas of many nations.

The statement said as time approached for completion of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the potential of culture had not been fully utilised.

“As we acknowledge the enormous advantages of the plurality of cultures and religious diversity, we must as people continue to advocate and promote religious and cultural tolerance”, it added.

The statement said many countries within the Commonwealth and the world at large, had suffered out of cultural and religious intolerance, stressing that it was pertinent for people to strive and promote peaceful coexistence, within the cultural and religious multiplicity.

She urged all citizens to promote cultural and religious tolerance, as well as unity adding that the move would contribute to the country’s aspirations to hold a peaceful election come December.

Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the second Monday in March every year. The celebration is to promote understanding on global issues, international co-operation and the work of the Commonwealth to improve the lives of its two billion citizens.