Interview: Dialogue essential in honoring values across cultures, says Iranian scholar

WARSAW, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Dialogue plays an essential role in acknowledging and honoring diverse interpretations and expressions of shared human values across cultures, an Iranian scholar told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Mahnaz Zahirinejad, a researcher at the Institute of Mediterranean and Oriental Cultures of the Polish Academy of Sciences, made the remarks when commenting on the China-proposed resolution to establish the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, which was adopted at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The proposal, reflecting the essence of the Global Civilization Initiative, aims to fully leverage dialogue among civilizations to eliminate discrimination and prejudice, enhance understanding and trust, promote people-to-people connectivity, and strengthen unity and cooperation.

"In our multicultural world, understanding other cultures is indispensable," Zahirinejad said, adding that "cultural pluralism has become a prevalent feature of today's global society. Without mutual understanding and respect, cultural pluralism can potentially lead to cultural polarization."

If people from diverse cultural groups become increasingly distinct and isolated from one another, conflicts and tensions might emerge, said the expert on international studies.

Therefore, exchanges of culture and conversations serve as important prerequisites and primary methods for acknowledging and honoring diverse interpretations and expressions of commonly cherished values across cultures, which is essential for creating a better life and a harmonious and peaceful world, she added.

Moreover, she highlighted inclusiveness, saying it is an approach to moderate tensions and divisions between cultures by fostering mutual understanding and tolerance among people from different cultures.

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) has officially welcomed the resolution, with UN under-secretary-general and UNAOC high representative Miguel Moratinos calling on the global community to "celebrate our diversity."