International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations Date in the current year: June 10, 2025

A civilization is a complex human society characterized by high levels of cultural, technological, political, and economic development. Typically, it includes urban centers, a social structure with class divisions and governance, systems of writing or record-keeping, organized religion or belief systems, advanced agriculture and trade, technological innovations, and artistic and intellectual achievements.

Historically, ancient civilizations such as those in Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, China, Greece, and Rome laid the foundation for many aspects of modern societies. Broadly speaking, the term “civilization” can also refer to a society’s collective achievements, values, and cultural expressions over time.

In 1993, American political scientist Samuel P. Huntington coined the term “clash of civilizations”, predicting that conflicts between nation-states and ideologies would be replaced by conflicts based on cultural and religious identities along civilization divides. However, this theory has been challenged by other political scientists, as well as by current events. According to Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, "There is no clash of civilizations. There is a clash of interests and a clash of ignorance.”

Amid growing instability and profound global transformation, the world is facing a series of interconnected crises characterized by deepening divides in peace, development, trust, and governance. At this critical juncture, the need for solidarity, dialogue, and cooperation is greater than ever. Dialogue among civilizations is one of the most effective ways to combat discrimination and prejudice, foster mutual understanding and trust, strengthen international relations, and promote global solidarity.

Such dialogue deepens appreciation for the universal values shared by humanity and lays the foundation for peaceful coexistence rooted in mutual respect. It provides a vital platform for identifying common ground in confronting today’s challenges and advancing peace, human well-being, sustainable development, and collective progress.

The International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations was established by a resolution proposed by China and co-sponsored by over 80 UN member states. The resolution affirms that all civilizational achievements are part of “the collective heritage of humankind”, stresses the need to respect civilizational diversity, and highlights “the crucial role of dialogue” in advancing global peace, shared development, and improved human welfare.

The resolution also recognizes dialogue as essential for fostering awareness of and respect for the universal values described in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, reaffirming that the achievements of civilizations belong to humanity as a whole.