What the UN can do to promote the dialogue among civilizations

2011 marked a decade since the United Nations General Assembly declared the year 2001 as the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations. At the same time, 2011 also represented the tenth anniversary of one of the most traumatic terrorist attacks of modern times. The juxtaposition of these two events shows, more than anything, the need for a firm commitment from all Member States of the United Nations to reduce and eliminate any notion of an ill-defined “clash of civilizations” which is rather a “clash of ignorances”, through authentic dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples. Dialogue is not only a “necessary answer to terrorism but, in many ways, its nemesis,” and one of the most effective ways “to promote the best in humanity.” It implies reciprocity of communication and the acceptance that truth does not and cannot belong to a singular group alone. Since “conflict begins where dialogue ceases”, it is essential to search for ways past political fragmentation and strive to find common ground for debate. Thus, the ideal of authentic dialogue among people belonging to different cultures and civilizations has never lost momentum or its driving force. It must just be adapted to an evolving political landscape in the current era of globalization.