Answer Hate with Humanity, Choose Discussion over Division, Secretary-General Urges in Message Marking International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, observed on 10 June: 

The United Nations was built on a fundamental conviction:  dialogue is the path to peace.

On this First International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, we celebrate that conviction — and the rich diversity of civilizations as a force to promote mutual understanding and global solidarity.  Today, that mission is more urgent than ever.  Where dialogue is missing, ignorance fills the void. 

Around the world, we hear rising voices of intolerance and xenophobia, amplified by online misinformation and hate speech.

In our fractured world, dialogue is not optional — it is essential for building bridges of understanding and trust.  So, too, is the work of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, re-enforced by the global platform for dialogue that it has created over the past two decades.

This International Day is a call to action — to listen, to speak, to connect.  Let’s answer hate with humanity.  Let’s listen with open hearts and open minds.  Let’s choose dialogue over division.  And let us strive to be one human family, rich in diversity, united in solidarity, and equal in dignity and human rights.