A UN General Assembly session. (Photo: VNA)

At its 78th Session, the United Nations General Assembly on June 7 adopted by consensus a resolution proposed by China designating June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. The resolution was put forth by China and 14 other countries, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, Uganda, UAE and Vietnam.

All civilizational achievements are the collective heritage of humanity, the resolution says and supports respect for the diversity of civilizations, underlines the important role of dialogue between civilizations in maintaining peace, promoting common development, improving human welfare and achieving overall progress.

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, introduced the draft resolution at the UNGA plenary session, highlighting 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.

The representative of the United States welcomed the call for intercultural exchange, saying valuing cultural diversity is a concept that the world has embraced.  “No single Government can exercise a monopoly over identity,” he added. 

The representative of Australia, speaking on behalf of Canada and New Zealand, reaffirmed the importance of tolerance across all cultures and societies.

By declaring June 10 every year as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, the world recognizes the importance of dialogue in solving global challenges and working towards peace and solidarity.