Council of Europe

The Alliance of Civilizations and the Council of Europe,

1. Recalling the values of pluralist democracy, the rule of law and human rights for the development of all societies;

2. Recognising that cultural diversity is an essential characteristic of every society and a potential factor for economic and social development;

3. Reasserting the need to build bridges between cultures and societies through dialogue and co-operation as well as for political will and a collective commitment to live together by strengthening mutual respect, tolerance and understanding among people of different ethnic, linguistic, religious and cultural background;

4. Convinced of the need for intercultural dialogue to be based on the principles of the indivisibility and universality of human rights and on observance of the human rights standards of the United Nations and the Council of Europe;

5. Affirming the role of the Council of Europe as the benchmark for human rights, the rule of law and democracy in Europe, and acknowledging the close co-operation between the member states of the Council of Europe in promoting intercultural dialogue based on these common values and principles;

6. Renewing their commitment to these common values and principles which are rooted in Europe’s cultural, religious and humanistic heritage – a heritage both shared and rich in its diversity;

7. Bearing in mind the principles of intercultural dialogue as established for the Alliance of Civilizations by the High Level Group's report of 13 November 2006, and as laid down in the Council of Europe White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue "Living Together as Equals in Dignity";