Message from the Secretary-General for the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, 2026

We are living through a period of turbulence and transformation. 

Conflicts are raging. Inequalities are widening. And evolving technologies from AI to clean energy present us with critical choices about the future we want to create.

Too often, differences are misunderstood or manipulated to undermine global solidarity.

But there is a path forward: dialogue.

Dialogue between nations, between cultures, between faiths.

On this second International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, we recognize the power of open communication to solve even the most intractable global challenges.

When we listen, talk and connect, we replace confrontation with cooperation, and tension with trust.

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations shows us the way, building bridges across borders, and turning diversity into strength.

Change begins with open minds and open hearts.

At a time when the international system is being tested, dialogue has the power to re-unite us for a more just, and more peaceful world.

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