On this First International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, we present and emphasize dialogue as the resolution, as our imperative path to tackle the problems that we have and we ourselves generate as society and humanity.
We’re invited not only to convince ourselves, but also to integrate this conviction as part of ourselves, educating ourselves the importance for this integration. We taught ourselves to build on a fundamental conviction: dialogue is the path to peace.
OUR BASIC MELTING POT IS THE PATH TO PEACE
Dialogue is the melting pot of all humanity and their diverse cultures, the torch of the diversity of humanity, combining all efforts of the various communities all over the world.
The emphasis on dialogue as the path to peace shines light on overlooked facts and history in our recent time, that all civilizational achievements, the heritage of humankind, were and are constructed by the collective endeavors of diverse humans.
From intercultural dialogues and collaborations across continents to community leaders hosting interfaith forums, the spirit of dialogue is very much alive in grassroots and global efforts alike.
Human endeavors in production and life have nurtured many splendid civilizations that complement and inspire each other, making humanity diverse, colorful, vibrant, and creating an invincible community of the entire human society with a shared future.
In the face of the immense global movements from transformations unseen in a century to global problems, interactions among civilizations are of vital importance. This time is prime time to promote dialogue among civilizations, to consolidate the traditions of peaceful and trust-based coexistence among the people of the world, and to combine the efforts of the international community.
It highlights the importance of respecting civilizational diversity, urges us to utilize the melting pot right in front of us, and to utilize the crucial role of solidarity, cooperation, and dialogue to achieve all of our collective wishes, including global peace, advancing shared development, enhancing human well-being, and achieving collective progress. We are urged to appreciate the rich diversity of civilizations as a force to promote mutual understanding and global solidarity.
AN EFFICIENT BRIDGE HEADING US TO THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Dialogue among civilizations remains the most effective bridge to eliminate discrimination and prejudice, foster mutual understanding and trust, strengthen relationships among nations, and reinforce global solidarity. This act not only foster awareness and appreciation of the universal values shared by humankind but also the common ground for peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect.
It leads us towards the act of truly addressing the pressing challenges of our time, ultimately contributing to world peace, human welfare, development, and progress.
It rightfully and bluntly acknowledges conflict as a clash of interests and a clash of ignorance, in other words, a clash of idiocracy and selfishness. This day reaffirms that civilizational achievements are part of humanity’s shared heritage.
A CALL TO ACTION: ACT AND TALK, NO FIGHT
To achieve dialogue among civilizations, the first thing that we must do as individual, community, humanity, and global citizen, are to do deep and necessary work of understanding one another across borders, cultures, and belief systems, to not focus on division and polarization, but instead to pause and ask what if our solution lies not in winning arguments but in creating conversations.
The act we should do is engage our community, our leader, our government, through honest, respectful, and curious conversation, to engage them through dialogue, and for them to repeat the same essential act, to foster healthy dialogue among themselves. One act of small dialogue fosters thousands of others.
Just by one small act of dialogue, we can have intercultural exchange programs, artists collaborating across continents, or community leaders hosting interfaith forums; the spirit of this day is very much alive in grassroots and global efforts alike. Technology, too, plays a dual role: while it can divide, it can also unite—connecting us with perspectives and people we might otherwise never meet.
We can also open the door to peace, collaboration, and innovation by donating to organizations or initiatives that promote and foster a culture of dialogue as a solution. By making a Goodwill Vow, we help build the architecture of peace.
Donate. Act. And inspire. Together, we push toward a better and peaceful future.