Third Informal Thematic Debate
Civilizations and the Challenge for Peace: obstacles and opportunities
United Nations General Assembly President Sheikha Haya Al Khalifa will convene on 10-11 May 2007, at UN Headquarters in New York, the third informal thematic debate of the Assembly, which will focus on
"Civilizations and the Challenge for Peace: Obstacles and Opportunities."
The main objective of the debate is to explore the reasons behind the growing level of mistrust between people of different religions and cultures; and to examine how and why cultural and religious differences increasingly fuel, and are used to justify, conflicts. A number of prominent commentators, academics and political figures will participate over two days in four separate panel discussions on the following themes:
- Respect for Cultural Diversity as a Prerequisite for Dialogue
(Thursday 10 May, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Trusteeship Council Chamber)
- Religion in Contemporary Society
(Thursday 10 May, 3:00-6:00 p.m., Trusteeship Council Chamber)
- The Responsibility of the Media
(Friday 11 May, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Trusteeship Council Chamber)
- Civilizations and the Challenge for Global Peace and Security
(Friday 11 May, 3:00-6:00 p.m., Trusteeship Council Chamber)
In addition to the above panel discussions, there will be two side events:
- A piano recital by Lebanese pianist and composer Abdel Rahman El Bacha
(Thursday 10 May, 6:15-7:40 p.m., General Assembly Hall)
- A round table discussion on the arts, with the theme "How Can the UN better use the arts in further developing strategies to bridge gaps between cultures?"
(Friday 11 May, 1:15-3:00 p.m., Conference Room 3)
A concept paper, detailed programme for the debate and bios of panelists and round table participants are available below.
INFORMAL SUMMARY
PROGRAMME, PANELIST BIOS and INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
WEBCAST
- ARCHIVED WEBCASTS:
- 10 May 2007 - Panel 1: Respect of cultural diversity is a prerequisite for dialogue.
[English] 2 hours and 49 minutes
- 10 May 2007 - Panel 2: Religion in contemporary society.
[English] 2 hours and 54 minutes
[Original Language] 2 hours and 54 minutes
- 11 May 2007 - Panel 3: The responsibility of the Media.
[English] 2 hours and 8 minutes
[Original Language] 2 hours and 8 minutes
- 11 May 2007 - Panel 4: Civilizations and the challenge for global peace and security.
[English] 2 hours and 58 minutes
[Original Language] 2 hours and 58 minutes
STATEMENTS
LETTERS
