UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, observed on 10 June:
The United Nations was built on a fundamental conviction: dialogue is the path to peace.
On this First International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, we celebrate that conviction — and the rich diversity of civilizations as a force to promote mutual understanding and global solidarity. Today, that mission is more urgent than ever. Where dialogue is missing, ignorance fills the void.
Around the world, we hear rising voices of intolerance and xenophobia, amplified by online misinformation and hate speech.
In our fractured world, dialogue is not optional — it is essential for building bridges of understanding and trust. So, too, is the work of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, re-enforced by the global platform for dialogue that it has created over the past two decades.
This International Day is a call to action — to listen, to speak, to connect. Let’s answer hate with humanity. Let’s listen with open hearts and open minds. Let’s choose dialogue over division. And let us strive to be one human family, rich in diversity, united in solidarity, and equal in dignity and human rights.
What is a civilisation ?
The notion of “civilization” is not easy to define and can be subject to misinterpretation. However, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) regards it as a universal, pluralistic, and non-hierarchical reality, recognizing that civilizations are inherently shaped by intercultural dynamics while retaining their unique identities.
International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations
On 7 June 2024 the General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 10 June the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.
Proposed by China and co-sponsored by over 80 countries, the resolution emphasizes that all civilizational achievements constitute “the collective heritage of humankind.” It underscores the importance of respecting civilizational diversity and highlights “the crucial role of dialogue” in maintaining global peace, advancing shared development, enhancing human well-being, and achieving collective progress.
The resolution acknowledges the essential role of dialogue in fostering awareness and understanding of universal values, as outlined in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, reaffirming that civilizational achievements are part of humanity’s shared heritage.
