Statement: International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations
Based on an initiative by the People’s Republic of China and with the support of more than 80 countries, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution 78/286 on June 7, 2024, designating June 10 of each year as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, This day aims to promote mutual respect and dialogue among cultures, safeguard world peace and the flourishing of civilizations, enhance human well-being, achieve collective progress, and uphold the value of cultural diversity in building a more just and peaceful world.
The resolution affirms that all civilizational achievements do not belong to any one nation, but are the collective heritage of humanity, which must be respected and nurtured. This occasion reminds us of the fundamental purpose the United Nations: that dialogue is the only way to build lasting peace based on justice and genuine solidarity based on shared interests and the sustainable development of all peoples.
The World Civilization Initiative was launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2023, calling for the coexistence of civilizations and the overcoming of divisions. The initiative is based on four main pillars:
- Respect for the diversity of civilizations: Advocating for the abandonment of prejudice and the notion of civilizational superiority, and recognizing that each country has its own unique path to modernization.
- Promoting shared values: Emphasizing the values of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy, and freedom shared by all humanity.
- Highlighting the importance of innovation and progress: Encouraging countries to explore their cultural heritage and draw inspiration from its values to support sustainable development and adapt to the modern era.
- Intensifying international communication and cooperation: Building a global network for dialogue and cooperation among peoples, and strengthening cultural and people-to-people exchanges instead of conflict or isolation.
Here we recall the words of Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations: “International conflicts cannot be attributed exclusively to religion, culture, or civilizations. It is essential to state clearly that there is no clash of civilizations, but rather a clash of interests and a clash of ignorance”
This resolution established the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations as a United Nations platform for dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among cultures. The organization has worked to connect governments, legislators, local authorities, civil society organizations, the media, and individuals dedicated to promoting understanding between different societies. The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations has launched numerous programs in the areas of education, youth, migration, media, and the role of women as peace mediators.
The International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations represents a humanitarian call to activate common human values in the face of calls for ignorance and intolerance that threaten all of humanity. It also provides a valuable opportunity to formulate a global vision that unites people as one family united by dignity, especially at a time when the multipolar international system is taking shape, and dialogue is needed to unify efforts to build a more just and peaceful world, and to avoid falling into the Theodosius Trap.
Based on the above, ACHRS calls on all relevant actors globally to:
- Engage in dialogue in regional and international forums, as opposed to armed conflict, to resolve inter-state disputes.
- Abstain from using weapons of mass destruction, which not only cause death en masse, but also cause significant damage to the environment.
- Reduce investment in the military, and instead invest in education, healthcare, and other social services.
- Progress the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Implement programs in schools which foster tolerance and a respect for diversity, with the aim of eliminating violent hatred and creating a global civilization.
