The conference was held under the auspice of UNESCO and the Government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The Conference focused on peace and stability, democracy and civil society and cultural diversity, and was a welcome opportunity to strengthen and sustain cooperation in South-East Europe. The famous, international Struga Poetry Festival was also opened by the Director-General of UNESCO on this occasion.
“I wish that this forum would come up with an appeal different from the refrain that “Carthage must be destroyed!” I wish that we all together change it into “Carthage must be saved!” No Carthage should be ever reduced to ruins, no foundations of any culture should be shattered and no nation should ever ravage the soil of other civilizations or nations so that nothing can ever grow in it! I wish for our appeal to become a new refrain that will echo throughout the world and become a call for dialogue.”
President Boris Trajkovski's opening speech
We are convinced that dialogue represents a new paradigm of security, especially in a globalizing world with its manifold new challenges to individuals, communities and countries. A commitment to dialogue among civilizations is also a commitment against terrorism. Pursuing reconciliation and seeking security through dialogue requires a dynamic and pro-active civil society. It necessitates a mobilization of political leaders, parliamentarians, scholars, spiritual and religious leaders, media and non-governmental organizations as well as women and youth who all must play their roles and assume their responsibilities.
Excerpt from the "Message from Ohrid"