Dialogue among cultures

In a world where no country is entirely homogenous, demands for recognition of different ethnicities, religions, languages and values are increasingly arising. There is an urgency of developing a sense of respect for the Other that will provide a basis for mutual understanding, friendship and learning. Cultural diversity and heritage are vectors of identity and tools for reconciliation.

Based on UNESCO’s Constitution and the various resolutions adopted by the Executive Board and General Conference, the promotion of dialogue in the service of peace – in order to build “peace in the minds of men” – is one of the main themes of UNESCO’s mission. Globalization and the emergence of new contemporary challenges and threats to humankind make the need for dialogue among peoples ever more topical.
A principal objective of a dialogue is to bridge the gap in knowledge about other civilizations, cultures and societies, to lay the foundations for dialogue based on universally shared values and to undertake concrete activities, inspired and driven by dialogue, especially in the areas of education, cultural diversity and heritage, the sciences and communication and media.

UNESCO and the UN Alliance of Civilizations

Regional Summits of Heads of State and Government of South East Europe