2010, International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures

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The year 2010 is celebrated as the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures (see Resolutions). The goal of the International Year consists in making the rapprochement of cultures the hallmark of all policy-making at local, national, regional and international levels, involving the greatest number of relevant stakeholders.

Entrusted with the mandate to contribute to build "the defences of peace in the minds of men" thanks to international cooperation in the fields of its competence, namely through education, sciences, culture and communication, UNESCO is designated to play a leading role for the celebration of the Year within the United Nations system. In fact, over the years and indeed in the past decade, the Organization has gained special experience and has won recognition through its efforts to demonstrate the beneficial effects of cultural diversity highlighting the importance of borrowings, transfers and exchanges between cultures.

In light of the approval of the preliminary action plan by the General Conference at its 35^th session, and pursuant to the Circular Letter CL 3880 of 15 May 2009, further consultations with Member States concerning the visibility of activities and the possibility of new proposals have been launched (see CL 3911 of 7 January 2010).

For more information:

• An open-ended List of activities to be carried out throughout the year by month and by organizing countries
• Leaflet of the Year