This regional conference, jointly organized by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and UNESCO, takes its departure in the International Ministerial Conference held in New Delhi from 9-10 July 2003 and related Executive Board and General Conference decisions and resolutions

The Asia-Pacific Regional Conference seeks to provide a forum for direct and open dialogue among institutions and individuals dedicated to dialogue among cultures and civilizations to discuss orientations, strategies and measures for political action at different levels and cross-cutting sectors. The relevance for the Asia-Pacific region of UNESCO's intensified dialogue agenda and related new perspectives will be at the core of the event.

Participants will be requested to highlight exemplary approaches and innovative strategies for promoting the dialogue among cultures and civilizations, especially those relating to education and culture. Ideas and recommendations for consolidating, advancing and networking the regional joint approaches will also be identified with a view to adopting a final policy-oriented conclusion for future action in this domain.

A number of eminent personalities and experts have been invited, drawing on national and international policy-making and academic and scientific expertise.