Tag: UNESCO

World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue

The Government of Azerbaijan is organising a “World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue”, to be held in Baku from 7 to 9 April 2011. The initiative has the support of the Council of Europe, including the North-South Centre, UNESCO, the UN Alliance of Civilizations and ISESCO. Building on previous events on this theme held in the Azerbaijani capital – known as the “Baku process” – and on the corpus of work developed by the stakeholder organisations in recent years, the Forum highlights the fact that intercultural dialogue is one of the most pressing challenges in the world today.

The Forum will address the conceptual, governance, policy and practical aspects of the challenge of intercultural dialogue. It will tackle issues such as the barriers to dialogue and the diverse contexts in which it can be pursued. It will also provide an opportunity to share good practice and launch new initiatives. A wide range of practitioners and experts in the field of culture will attend the Forum, from global leaders and public figures to prominent intellectuals and activists. The synergy between political leaders and officials, experts and practitioners will be encouraged by the scope for informal networking organised around the event.”

(Original from http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/culture/CDCULT/Newsletter/newsletter2_en.asp)

Journalism – conflict sensitive reporting

“A total of 18 journalists, drawn from the 10 states of South Sudan have embarked on a four-day intensive training organised by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in the South Sudan capital, Juba.

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Margaret Jjuko, a media consultant conducting the UNESCO-organised training in Juba, South Sudan, Feb 14, 2011 (ST)

The training on conflict-sensitive reporting, according to the organisers, seeks to equip media practitioners with specific skills and techniques regarded as essential in analysing conflict and post-conflict related issues in the semi-autonomous region.

post-conflict countries.

“Over the years, it has been UNESCO’s mandate to support journalists dealing with conflict and post-conflict issues. This may also focus on re-building the various media institutions,” Lukosiunas told Sudan Tribune during an interview at Beijing hotel.”

For further information, see the original article in the Sudan Tribune.

Fellowships to Japan

UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme (UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme)

“Reinforcing its belief in “people building the next era”, the Government of Japan offers 20 fellowships per year, for the eleventh consecutive year, to be awarded to deserving candidates from developing countries, especially the least developed countries (LDCs), who are eager to undertake research on one or more of the topics listed below. The aim of the fellowships is to support innovative and imaginative post-graduate research in four areas of development of particular interest to UNESCO. (Deadline for the submission of applications: 7 January 2011.”

Intercultural dialogue is one of 4 specific topics solicited; Peaceful conflict resolution is another.

For details, see the UNESCO site.

Rapprochement of Cultures

2010 was declared to be the International  Year of Rapprochement of Cultures by the United Nations. The following themes were identified:

1. promoting reciprocal knowledge of cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity;
2. building a framework for commonly shared values;
3.strengthening quality education and the building of intercultural competences; and
4. fostering dialogue for sustainable development.

800 activities have been developed to support these goals.

See the UNESCO website created for the Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures for further details.