Agree to Differ

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IRINA BOKOVA, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF UNESCO

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 (36 C/40) 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.

Dialogue is key when it comes to effective policies to harness the power of diversity, the design of new

educational curricula or the crafting of new forms of cultural literacy and cultural diplomacy, between

societies and within them.

I wish to thank our publishing partner, Tudor Rose, and all the contributors to this edition for having

identified key challenges ahead of us, while strengthening the message of the International Decade for the

Rapprochement of Cultures in an enriching and powerful manner.

Irina Bokova

Director-General of UNESCO

Foreword