Ohrid, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
29 - 30 August 2003

Message from President Boris Trajkovski

I understand the dialogue among different peoples, cultures and civilizations as a continuing process that should have a global dimension, promoting equality, the rule of law, protection of human rights, and respect for cultural treasures and differences, while contributing to the construction of trust at the local, national, regional and international levels.

It is my hope that the Regional Forum in Ohrid on “Dialogue among Civilizations” will present an extraordinary opportunity, through the exchange of opinions, to contribute to peace and stability in the region of South-East Europe, in Europe at large, and indeed the entire world. Bearing in mind the deeper significance of dialogue, I would like to see every year as a year of dialogue among civilizations.

I am convinced that the Ohrid Forum – thanks to the direction provided by the UN system, the assistance of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, and especially UNESCO's continuous engagement and support – will offer solutions to concrete problems with which the region is faced, and help our countries overcome current difficulties. At the same time the Forum should endorse the dialogue among peoples at the global level and highlight the need for continuity and the creation of conditions that allow the dialogue to become a continued practice without an alternative in the system of international relations.

We have gathered in Ohrid because we see the potential of a new kind of international and inter-civilizational communication and cooperation. This cooperation shall not be rooted in force and power, but in hope for peace and prosperity; it shall not be nourished by fear of the Other, but by the desire to understand difference. It is of utmost importance to stress the need of complete acceptance and genuine respect for cultural differences and peculiarities, since they are indispensable conditions for cooperation based on the principles of equal human rights. A cooperation based on issues and practices, where both responsibilities and benefits are implemented evenly and simultaneously at a global as well as at a local level.