|
|
 |
 |
| The United Nations Year of
Dialogue among Civilizations |
|
| In November 1998, the General
Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed the year 2001
as the 'United Nations Year of Dialogue among
Civilizations'. |
|
| The resolution GA/RES/53/22,
proposed by the Islamic Republic of Iran and supported
by a large number of countries, invites 'Governments,
the United Nations system, including the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, to
plan and implement appropriate cultural, educational and
social programmes to promote the concept of dialogue
among civilizations, including through organizing
conferences and seminars and disseminating information
and scholarly material on the subject'. |
|
| The celebration of the United
Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations provides
the opportunity to emphasize that the present
globalization process does not only encompass economic,
financial and technological aspects, but must also focus
on human cultural, spiritual dimensions and on the
interdependence of humankind and its rich diversity. |
|
| Globalization and the resulting
free movement of ideas and human beings allow
unprecedented encounters between individuals, societies
and cultures. But it also profoundly affects lifestyles
and patterns of behaviour, decision-making processes and
methods of governance, creativity and forms of
expression. |
|
| Against this dynamic
background, there is a need for a renewed commitment to
promote and develop international co-operation and
understanding on the basis of the recognition of the
equal dignity of individuals and of societies and the
uniqueness of their contributions to human advancement. |
|
| More information on the United
Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations can be
found at www.unesco.org/dialogue2001.
|
|
|
|
