General Assembly Adopts Text on Promoting Dialogue among Civilizations, as Some Delegates Voice Concern Over Proliferation of International Days
Underlining the need to raise awareness of the value of diversity of civilizations and promote dialogue, mutual respect, tolerance and global solidarity, the General Assembly today adopted by consensus a resolution declaring 10 June the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.
The text titled “International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations” (document A/78/L.75) was adopted by consensus.
By the resolution, the Assembly also invited all Member States and other relevant stakeholders to commemorate the International Day appropriately, including through educational and public awareness-raising activities, and share best practices in this regard.
The representative of China, introducing the text, spotlighted 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, adding that the UN will be holding the Summit of the Future in September to find systemic solutions to current challenges at this pivotal juncture in history. The text reaffirms that all civilizational achievements constitute a collective heritage of humankind, noting that civilizations flourish in contact with others. He underscored that dialogue among civilizations contributes to improved awareness of the universal values of humanity.
Speaking in explanation of position, the representative of the United States welcomed calls for intercultural exchange. However, he pointed out, the word “civilization” has no clearly defined meaning within international law or the UN system. In the present resolution, “we believe it to be synonymous with the idea of cultures”, he asserted, adding that valuing cultural diversity is a concept that the world has embraced. “No single Government can exercise a monopoly over identity,” he stated, urging for vigilance vis-à-vis how words like “civilizations” are used.
The representative of Switzerland welcomed that the preambular part of the resolution reaffirms the obligations of States under international human rights law. However, she deplored the absence of such reference in operative paragraphs, adding that “the culture of peace is inseparable from human rights”.
The representative of Australia, also speaking for Canada and New Zealand, reaffirmed the importance of tolerance of all cultures and societies and observed that “peace begins with respect for human rights”. Advocating for the inclusion of universal human rights principles in this text, she also expressed concern about the proliferation of UN International Days.
The representative of Japan also expressed concern about the proliferation of International Days, and said it is essential to implement the frameworks agreed upon in the past. Building trust between civilizations calls for enhancing human dignity, he said, reaffirming universal values such as the rule of law and human rights.
The representative of Norway said her delegation would have welcomed more time for progress on some critical elements in the text. Highlighting some concerns, including regarding the language in operative paragraph 1, she said cultural diversity must not infringe on human rights.
Also adopted today without a vote was a resolution on “Review of the implementation of General Assembly resolution 75/290 A on the strengthening of the Economic and Social Council and resolution 75/290 B on the high-level political forum on sustainable development and the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the global level” (document A/78/L.73).
By its terms, the Assembly decided that the thematic focus of the Economic and Social Council and the high-level political forum on sustainable development for upcoming sessions shall be as follows: for 2025: advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind; for 2026: transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all; and for 2027: scaling up just transitions to achieving sustainable development, poverty eradication and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals.
The Assembly then turned to the draft resolution titled “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, 2025” (document A/78/L.70).
The representative of Ghana, introducing the resolution, underscored that the text would help in the broader dissemination of this critical area of science and technology and the mobilization of global support for its further contribution in addressing today’s challenges. The draft recommends that the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology should be observed through activities at all levels aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of quantum science and applications; enhancing international, multilateral and interdisciplinary scientific cooperation among research institutions, researchers and innovators in quantum science and technology; and ensuring a focus on the application of quantum science and technology for sustainable development.
“As we forge towards a more sustainable future, quantum science and technology would be critical for renewable energy, medicine and drug design, and financial inclusion and secure communication,” she continued. As well, she expressed hope that the observance of this International Year will inspire young people worldwide, particularly in Africa and the developing world, to take an interest in this field of study.
The resolution “L.70” was adopted by consensus. By its terms, the Assembly decided to proclaim 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
The Assembly then turned to the draft resolution on the “Twenty-fifth anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women” (document A/78/L.69).
Introducing that text, the representative of the Dominican Republic noted that this International Day was established in the light of the killing of the three Mirabal sisters from his country. Figures concerning violence towards women, often in domestic contexts, continue to be shockingly high, he cautioned. A high-level meeting to commemorate the International Day will raise awareness on this issue and accelerate progress towards tackling this, he said.
The Assembly then adopted that text without a vote. By its terms, it welcomed the twenty-fifth anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to be observed on 25 November 2024. It requested the President of the General Assembly to convene a full-day high-level meeting, within existing resources, to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the International Day.
Speaking in explanation of position, the representative of Iran, condemning any violence against women, noted his Government’s significant efforts in protecting women and girls by strengthening its laws and policies. This includes supporting the victims of violence and prosecuting the perpetrators. Empowering women and girls has led to their remarkable contributions in education, employment, socioeconomic and political areas. He expressed strong reservations about including certain non-consensual terms in the resolution as “they may erode the culture of values of many Member States”. Concerned that such terms are being imposed on other Member States, he disassociated from any contentious terminology in preambular paragraph 4.
Turning to the election of members of the Economic and Social Council, the Assembly elected the following to fill the seats for Western European and other States: Austria for a term beginning on 1 January 2025 and ending on 31 December 2026; Finland for a term beginning on 1 January 2025 and ending on 31 December 2025; and Australia for a term beginning on 1 January 2025 and ending on 31 December 2025. For the one seat remaining to be filled for Eastern European States, the Assembly determined that it would continue with the series of balloting on a date to be announced because neither North Macedonia nor the Russian Federation attained a two-thirds majority.
In one round of voting, the Assembly then elected 18 States to the Economic and Social Council to serve three-year terms, beginning 1 January 2025. They are as follows: Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Switzerland, United Republic of Tanzania and Uzbekistan.