International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, as established by the United Nations in June 2024, will now occur on 10 June every year.
Underlining the need to raise awareness of the value of diversity of civilizations and promote dialogue, mutual respect, tolerance and global solidarity, the General Assembly today adopted by consensus a resolution declaring 10 June the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. The text titled “International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations” (document A/78/L.75) was adopted by consensus.
By the resolution, the Assembly also invited all Member States and other relevant stakeholders to commemorate the International Day appropriately, including through educational and public awareness-raising activities, and share best practices in this regard.
The representative of China, introducing the text, spotlighted multiple interlocking crises and widening peace and development deficits facing the world, which “is entering a new era of instability”, leaving humanity “at a crossroads of history”. Dialogue among civilizations effectively prevents discrimination and prejudice, enhances cooperation and trust, and strengthens solidarity. “There is no alternative to such dialogue,” he emphasized, adding that the UN will be holding the Summit of the Future in September to find systemic solutions to current challenges at this pivotal juncture in history. The text reaffirms that all civilizational achievements constitute a collective heritage of humankind, noting that civilizations flourish in contact with others. He underscored that dialogue among civilizations contributes to improved awareness of the universal values of humanity.
Speaking in explanation of position, the representative of the United States welcomed calls for intercultural exchange. However, he pointed out, the word “civilization” has no clearly defined meaning within international law or the UN system. In the present resolution, “we believe it to be synonymous with the idea of cultures”, he asserted, adding that valuing cultural diversity is a concept that the world has embraced. “No single Government can exercise a monopoly over identity,” he stated, urging for vigilance vis-à-vis how words like “civilizations” are used.
Center for Intercultural Dialogue 