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Dialogue on the basis of respect, tolerance, human rights and dignity has never been so important. This is the spirit of the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures (2013-2022). The International Decade originates in the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 67/104 adopted in December 2012, co-sponsored by Kazakhstan and designating UNESCO as lead agency. This drew on a Resolution of the UNESCO General Conference and the experience of the 2010 International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures which UNESCO led forward with activities across the world.
The objective of the International Decade is to promote mutual understanding and respect for diversity, rights and equal dignity between peoples, through intercultural dialogue and concrete initiatives. This is essential for all societies today, undergoing deep transformation. The surge of conflict, acts of violence, extremism and intolerance pose a threat to peace, undermining the unity of humanity and calling on us all to redouble our efforts to advance a culture of peace, through dialogue, the safeguarding of cultural heritage, and the promotion of global citizenship education.
The International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures embodies a commitment to explore new articulations between cultural diversity and universal values. The rapprochement of cultures calls for a commitment to the principles of human dignity and solidarity as the corner stones of living together within and between societies, making the most of all sources of diversity.
This publication bears testimony to the urgency of addressing contemporary challenges through intercultural and interreligious dialogue in order to deepen understanding and cooperation for peace. Through concrete examples, including experiences at the community level from across the world, the publication showcases why cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and responsive democratic governance are vital for the enhancement of mutual understanding, the growth of tolerance, and the building of bridges of mutual respect and dignity.