A/RES/60/11 Recognizing that interreligious dialogue and understanding, including the awareness of differences and commonalities among peoples and civilizations, contribute to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes and reduce the potential for animosity, clashes and even violence, Taking note of the valuable contribution of various initiatives at the national, regional and international level, such as the Alliance of Civilizations initiative, the Bali Declaration on Building Interfaith Harmony within the International Community, 5 the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the Dialogue among Civilizations and Cultures, the strategy of “enlightened moderation”, the Informal Meeting of Leaders on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace 6 and the Islam-Christianity Dialogue, which are all mutually inclusive, reinforcing and interrelated, Emphasizing the need, at all levels of society and among nations, for strengthening freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, respect for diversity of culture and religion or belief, dialogue and understanding, which are important elements for peace, and convinced that the guiding principles of democratic society need to be actively promoted by the international community, Reaffirming that freedom of expression, media pluralism, multilingualism, equal access to art and to scientific and technological knowledge, including in digital form, and the possibility for all cultures to have access to the means of expression and dissemination are the guarantees of cultural diversity, and that in ensuring the free flow of ideas by word and image, care should be exercised that all cultures can express themselves and make themselves known, Recognizing all efforts made by the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations to promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among human beings in all their diversity of culture, religion, belief and language, Alarmed that serious instances of intolerance and discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, including acts of violence, intimidation and coercion motivated by religious intolerance, are on the increase in many parts of the world and threaten the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Considering that tolerance for cultural, ethnic, and 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 and violence among peoples and nations throughout the world, Emphasizing that combating hatred, prejudice, intolerance and stereotyping on the basis of religion or culture represents a significant global challenge that requires further action, Takes note of the report transmitted by the Secretary-General in 1. accordance with resolutions 59/142 and 59/143; 7 _______________ 5 A/60/254, annex. See A/60/383. 7 See A/60/279. 6 2