The United Nations Academic Impact is informed by a commitment to support and advance ten basic principles. The seventh of these principles is:
Intercultural Dialogue - A commitment to promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding, and the unlearning of intolerance, through education
Test your knowledge about this UNAI principle with the UNAI Quiz!!
Scroll down to the bottom of this article to find the answers.
1. What can be understood as intercultural dialogue?
a) To speak with a foreigner.
b) To read about other cultures.
c) To exchange and dialogue among cultures.
2. What is needed for an effective intercultural dialogue?
a) To have a graduate academic degree on international or cultural affairs.
b) To have the required abilities or competencies to do so.
c) The will of those involved.
3. Is there any connection between intercultural dialogue and issues of peace and security?
a) Yes, there is an important connection.
b) Yes, there was a connection but not anymore.
c) No, there is no connection whatsoever.
4. Does the media have a role on intercultural dialogue?
a) Yes, but it is a marginal contribution.
b) Yes, it is considered a key factor for promoting such type of dialogue.
c) No, it does not have any role.
5. Are the governments the only ones entitled to take action?
a) No, civil society has also been quite active to promote intercultural dialogue.
b) Yes, other stakeholders only have a supporting position.
c) Yes, as there are no more stakeholders.
Answers:
1. c) According to the United Nations website on the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, intercultural dialogue can be understood as the equitable exchange and dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based on mutual understanding and respect and the equal dignity of all cultures being this an essential prerequisite for constructing social cohesion, reconciliation among peoples and peace among nations.
2. b) The UNESCO World Report Investing in Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue states that intercultural dialogue is dependent to an important extent on intercultural competencies which are defined as a complex of abilities needed to perform effectively and appropriately when interacting with those who are linguistically and culturally different from oneself. The Report considers critical the role of education in this regard and the inclusion of intercultural competencies in school curricula.
3. a) The UN Security Council held a meeting with the theme Intercultural Dialogue for Peace and Security before which a concept paper prepared by the Lebanese presidency of this body said that alienation, misconceptions, lack of respect, exclusion, marginalization and ignorance of the other's culture, traditions, beliefs and history have come to represent a serious threat to peaceful relations among peoples and nations. Moreover, stresses the document, mutual fears, stereotyping, and preconceived ideas have given rise to dangerous acts of violence.
4. b) One of the key findings of the UNESCO Survey on Intercultural Dialogue 2017 is that respondents emphasize the importance of the media as a tool for communication and expression. Emerging technologies have opened up new pathways for sharing cultural expressions, providing access to information and promoting citizen participation. Respondents cite the significant rise in the use of social media as a means to enhance civil society voices and foster inclusive participation. They also highlight further use of the media as a means to enhance mutual knowledge of cultural diversity through content and programming, disseminating surveys and testing public opinion.
5. a) The most recent resolution of the UN General Assembly on this matter (adopted on 11 December 2017 under the title Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace) acknowledged the important role of civil society, including academia, in fostering interreligious and intercultural dialogue and encouraged at the same time support for practical measures that mobilize civil society, including building capacities, opportunities and frameworks for cooperation.
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