| IUSY at the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue |  |  |
"United through common values, enriched by cultural diversity", Baku, 7-8th of April 2011 Following the previous events held on diversity and strengthening intercultural dialogue and the work developed by different organizations in recent years, the World Forum, which took place in Baku prior to the Global Youth Movement, marks a recognition that intercultural dialogue is one of the most pressing need and challenges of our world and that increasingly manifests itself on a global scale. The World Forum was hosted by the President Ilham Aliyev and the Government of Azerbaijan and supported by UNESCO, UN Alliance of Civilizations, Council of Europe and ISESCO. During the two days Forum addressed the conceptual, governance, policy and practical aspects of the challenge of intercultural dialogue. It tackled the barriers to dialogue and faced concretely how can best be pursued in diverse contexts. It also provided an opportunity for sharing the good practice and the launch of new initiatives. The World Forum included participation of global public figures, heads of international organizations, heads of state or governments, ministers of culture and ambassadors, parliamentarians and diplomats, as well as representatives of non-governmental organizations, media, prominent intellectuals and activists. During the sessions, representatives from all over the world discussed the importance of intercultural understanding and cultural diversity in achieving peace and development, making dialogue meaningful, the role of women as key agents of intercultural dialogue, dialogue between and among the world´s religions, the impact of technology, social media and journalism, as well as presented initiatives and projects that foster cooperation. Having in mind that IUSY has always played a very active role in promoting equality but also acknowledging our diversities, participation in this forum once more reaffirmed the importance of the youth and represents the continuation of our devoted work within the framework of the United Nations in order to build wider and stronger understanding throughout the world. Nela Celik |
