A/RES/62/155 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 cultures 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, Affirms the importance for all peoples and nations to hold, develop and 1. preserve their cultural heritage and traditions in a national and international atmosphere of peace, tolerance and mutual respect; Welcomes the adoption on 8 September 2000 of the United Nations 2. Millennium Declaration, 7 in which Member States consider, inter alia, that tolerance is one of the fundamental values essential to international relations in the twentyfirst century and that it should include the active promotion of a culture of peace and dialogue among civilizations, with human beings respecting one another in all their diversity of belief, culture and language, neither fearing nor repressing differences within and between societies but cherishing them as a precious asset of humanity; 6F Recognizes the right of everyone to take part in cultural life and to enjoy 3. the benefits of scientific progress and its applications; 4. Affirms that the international community should strive to respond to the challenges and opportunities posed by globalization in a manner that ensures respect for the cultural diversity of all; Expresses its determination to prevent and mitigate cultural 5. homogenization in the context of globalization, through increased intercultural exchange guided by the promotion and protection of cultural diversity; Affirms that intercultural dialogue essentially enriches the common 6. understanding of human rights and that the benefits to be derived from the encouragement and development of international contacts and cooperation in the cultural fields are important; Welcomes the recognition at the World Conference against Racism, 7. Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance of the necessity of respecting and maximizing the benefits of diversity within and among all nations in working together to build a harmonious and productive future by putting into practice and promoting values and principles such as justice, equality and non-discrimination, democracy, fairness and friendship, tolerance and respect within _______________ 7 See resolution 55/2. 3