UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres marked the first International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations with a call for global solidarity rooted in open conversation. In a message that resonates from G20 capitals to digital communities, Guterres reminded the world that \"dialogue is the path to peace\" and the foundation of the United Nations.
\"Where dialogue is missing, ignorance fills the void,\" he warned, pointing to rising intolerance and xenophobia amplified by online misinformation and hate speech. In an era where digital nomads cross time zones, startups thrive on global teams, and fans tune into esports on six continents, dialogue stands as the invisible bridge connecting us all.
The scale of our diversity is staggering: 8 billion people, more than 5,000 ethnic groups and over 7,000 languages. Guterres urged young entrepreneurs, thought leaders and travelers alike to embrace dialogue as a way to spark innovation, foster sustainable business partnerships and create immersive cultural exchanges.
The initiative was proposed by China and co-sponsored by over 80 countries, with the UN General Assembly adopting a resolution last year that designates June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations. Monday's event was hosted by the permanent missions of China, Egypt, Peru, Spain and Uzbekistan, alongside the UN Alliance of Civilizations.
UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang added that diversity defines human civilization and mutual respect must guide our shared journey. \"Let us celebrate the unity and diversity of civilizations and promote tolerance, dialogue and inclusiveness toward a better world for all,\" he said.
As borders blur and cultures converge, the message is clear: listen with open hearts, choose dialogue over division, and strive to be one human family united in dignity, rights and solidarity.
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UN chief calls for promoting global solidarity through dialogue
cgtn.com
