Human rights and cultural diversity A/RES/72/170 Reaffirming that discriminatory treatment against different cultures and religions is detrimental to the principle of the equa lity of human beings, Recognizing that all cultures and civilizations share a common set of universal values, Recognizing also that the promotion of the rights of indigenous people and their cultures and traditions will contribute to the respect for an d observance of cultural diversity among all peoples and nations, Considering that tolerance of cultural, ethnic, religious and linguistic diversities, as well as dialogue among and within civilizations, is essential for peace, understanding and friendship among individuals and people of different cultures and nations of the world, while manifestations of cultural prejudice, intolerance and xenophobia towards different cultures and religions generate hatred, violence and extremism among peoples and nations throughout the world, Recognizing in each culture a dignity and value that deserve recognition, respect and preservation, and convinced that, in their rich variety and diversity, and in the reciprocal influences that they exert on one another, all cult ures form part of the common heritage belonging to all humankind, Convinced that the promotion of cultural pluralism and tolerance towards and dialogue among various cultures and civilizations would contribute to the efforts of all peoples and nations to enrich their cultures and traditions by engaging in a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and intellectual, moral and material achievements, Acknowledging the diversity of the world, recognizing that all cultures and civilizations contribute to the enrichment of humankind, acknowledging the importance of respect and understanding for religious and cultural diversity throughout the world, and, in order to promote international peace and security, committing itself to advancing human welfare, freedom and progress everywhere, as well as to encouraging tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among different cultures, civilizations and peoples, 1. Affirms the importance for all peoples and nations to hold, develop and preserve their cultural heritage and traditions in a national and international atmosphere of peace, tolerance and mutual respect; 2. Emphasizes the important contribution of culture to development and the achievement of national development objectives and internationally agreed development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals; 3. Recalls that, as expressed in the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, 5 no one may invoke cultural diversity to infringe upon human rights guaranteed by international law, or to limit their scope; 4. Also recalls the adoption on 25 September 2015 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 7 in which Member States acknowledged the natural and cultural diversity of the world and recognized that all cultures and civilizations can contribute to, and are crucial enablers of, sustainable development; 5. Recognizes the importance given to cultural diversity in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including in Sustainable Development Goal 4, related to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all; __________________ 7 17-22981 Resolution 70/1. 3/5