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RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY |
The
General Assembly,
Reaffirming the purposes and principles embodied in the Charter of the
United Nations, which, interalia, call for collective effort to strengthen
friendly relations among nations, remove threats to peace and foster
international cooperation in resolving international issues of an economic,
social, cultural and humanitarian character and in promoting and encouraging
universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all,
Recognizing the diverse civilization achievements of mankind,
crystallizing cultural pluralism and creative human diversity,
Aware that positive and mutually beneficial interaction among
civilizations has continued throughout human history despite impediments arising
from intolerance, disputes and wars,
Emphasizing the importance of tolerance in international relations and
the significant role of dialogue as a means to reach understanding, remove
threats to peace and strengthen interaction and exchange among civilizations,
Noting the designation of 1995 as the United Nations Year for Tolerance,
and recognizing that tolerance and respect for diversity facilitate universal
promotion and protection of human rights and constitute sound foundations for
civil society, social harmony and peace,
Reaffirming that civilization achievements constitute the collective
heritage of mankind, providing a source of inspiration and progress for humanity
at large,
Welcoming the collective endeavor of the international community to
enhance understanding through constructive dialogue among civilizations on the
threshold of the third millennium,
1.
Expresses its firm
determination to facilitate and promote dialogue among civilizations;
2.
Decides to proclaim
the year 2001 as the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations:
3.
Invites Governments,
the United Nations system, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organizations, and other relevant international and
non-governmental organizations, to plan and implement appropriate cultural,
educational and social programs to promote the concept of dialogue among
civilizations, including through organizing conferences and seminars and
disseminating information and scholarly material on the subject, and to inform
the Secretary-General of their activities:
4.
Requests the
Secretary-General to present a provisional report on activities in this regard
to the Genera Assembly at its fifty-fourth session, and a final report to the
General Assembly at its fifty-fifth
53rd
plenary meeting
4
November 1998