President Jennifer Simons cited the first Surinamese Heritage Month during her address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York as an example of how diversity can contribute to national unity. According to the head of state, diversity, when accompanied by equality, mutual respect and participation, can be a source of strength.
Simons spoke on Tuesday, September 22, about the importance of inclusivity and social cohesion. She recalled that Suriname is known for its great cultural and ethnic diversity.
According to the president, diversity is still too often used worldwide to deepen divisions between population groups. Suriname, she said, is seeking to take a different course, allowing space for the different histories and backgrounds within society while at the same time working towards a shared future.
The head of state referred to the first national Heritage Month, which was held in August 2026. The heritage month focused on shared history, cultural identity, national connectedness and strengthening social cohesion. The central theme was: “However we came together here, how we move forward together.”
Simons stressed at the UN that Heritage Month was not intended solely as a celebration of the different cultures in Suriname. According to her, the initiative was also meant to contribute to greater inclusivity, mutual respect and unity within society.
According to the president, the Surinamese experience shows that diversity does not have to be an obstacle to development. When population groups can participate in society on the basis of equality, that diversity can instead contribute to national resilience and prosperity, she said.
Simons stated that this approach is not only relevant to Suriname, but also to the international community, where societies are increasingly confronted with division and tensions surrounding identity and origin.
