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International Conference on
"Dialogue among Civilizations"
Vilnius, Lithuania
23 - 26 April 2001

"Plural Identities and Common Values"

Wednesday, 25 April 2001, Vilnius University Little Aula Hall

Moderator:   Mr. Yersu Kim (Korea)
Participants: Mr. Siarhej Shupa (Belarussia)
                     Mr. Benvienido Agueta (Guatemala)
                     Mr. Aleksander Yakolev (Russia)
Rapporteur:  Mr. FW (Russ) Russell, UNESCO Secretariat

Mr Kim, Professor of Philosophy; Secretary-General of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO, Korea, during his opening remarks, provided the intellectual framework for the ensuing discussions and stated that the task at hand was to provide concrete substance for the idea of the dialogue among civilizations.  He stated that ethics stands at the front of all dialogue among civilizations.  He said that dialogue was no longer a choice, but rather a necessity in this day and age.  The ethical values and principles relating to such concepts as poverty, the environment and religious and ethnic degradation can only be taken up at the global level.  However, there is a need to clarify the basis of discord hindering this dialogue:  The question of historical perspective was the most important of such hindrances.  To rid ourselves of these hindrances would lead to true inter-cultural and inter-civilizational dialogue.  The Moderator also raised the issue of the notion of “universality” – we ought to come up with a concept that is inclusive and not hegemonistic.  Coming to terms with the concept of plural identities and common values can only be accommodated through an evolutionary or incremental process based on lessons learned, experienced  and lived.

Mr. Shupa, Editor-in-Chief of the Lithuanian radio programme, "Baltic Waves", Lithuania, chose an historical examination of the evolution of the city of Vilnius.  There is hardly another European city, he states, which demonstrates the unique nature of the multi-culturality and cosmopolitan flavour as that of Vilnius.  Peaceful co-existence between several cultures has occurred during the past centuries, despite several occupations and administrations – 11 in the past century alone!  However, this reality is becoming an historical one, current movements and processes are threatening the idyllic picture which the presenter paints.  These movements and processes include a rise in nationalism and greater homogeneity of society.  To slow these nefarious processes, the presenter proposes the establishment of a book project, entitled “The Golden Book of Vilnius”.  It is envisaged that this book would take the form of an encyclopaedia, drawing on authors from the city representing the various communities of Vilnius to provide their perspectives of life there.  Collectively, these works could beautifully demonstrate the mosaic which makes up Vilnius.  The project could be considered as a logical next-step from this conference and could break down the barriers of differing communities that make up present-day Vilnius.

Mr. Argueta, Professor of Cultural Studies, Rafael Lanvivar University, Guatemala, began by stating that differences and civilizations tend to be viewed through Western political enlightenment – national identities and cultural differences have been inadequately taken into consideration.  A paradox of nation states in Latin America exists where states were created to be independent from the colonisers, however each state is always trying to catch up to those more developed.  The presenter posits that creativity and flexibility are needed when thinking of the concept of civilizations.  How could one frame common values in legislation?  Should we only take into consideration the Western democratic perspective?  Is it possible to trace common components for al universal values?  In the presenter’s opinion, one should not only need to understand the ‘other’ but ought also to understand one’s self.  The process through which we proceed to find common values must also include the capability of  tracing and accepting difference.  Globalisation should be challenged.  If not, differences will be destroyed.  We ought not be so obsessive in our search for common values, rather, it would be better to think of co-existence among different systems without attempting greater homogenisation which has historically proven to lead to war.  This type of globalisation weakens cultural identities he concludes.

Mr Yakolev, Director of the Presidential Commission for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Political Repression; Chairman of the Public Advisory Board, Kultura newspaper; Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Russian Public Television Ltd, Russia, chose to provide two or three remarks following up on his talk of the previous day.  He stated that the Round Table, held in New York in September 2000, and this Conference have almost exhausted the general concepts of Dialogue among Civilizations.  He said that we are still struggling to understand what the term 'civilization’ means – is it referring to a civilization of behaviour?  Or labour?  Or of language? – Does not every citizen have lots of civilization within him?  We ought to be able to define what major values we are attempting to discuss.  The United Nations and UNESCO should establish the priorities as to where we should begin in this process.

Following the presentations, the Moderator opened the floor for discussion.

Salient points ensuing from the rich debate may be summarised as follows:

• Prior to discussing ‘common values’, we must identify the sources of a “ Global Ethical Code”.  These sources could include:

1. The three monotheistic religions;

2. The ethical traditions of humanity such as Buddhism, Confucianism; and,

3. A Civic culture based on democracy, pluralism and respect of human rights.

• The quest for common values is actually the dilemma of attempting to reconcile the differences within common values.

• There is a dichotomy between universal values and local values or realities – this is our ability to see things from differing perspectives, or through plurality.  One has the tendency to call common values ‘ western’.  However, there are cultures other than the western one.  More empirical research in needed in this area.

• The notion of ‘common-problems’ was raised as a possible basis for the approach to common values – However, it was posited that while civilisations may experience common problems, the approaches to these problems may differ in differing societies.

• The notion of exclusion should be rejected.  One has the tendency to list universal values, which instantly becomes an exclusive concept for all other elements that have not been listed as universal values.  However, this approach is actually a context-specific approach to looking at the notion of ‘universality’: it would be wrong to define “common universal values” as immutable over time – these values evolve in a step-by-step, evolutionary approach. There is a need to approach common universal values from a slightly longer time perspective.  Equally, there is a need to contextualise these values.

• Finally, if one could come up with a “Global Ethical Code”, who would implement this code? Also, within which forum could the rules of establishing common values be debated?

What could UNESCO’s role be in this process?

UNESCO and the UN at large should establish priority areas within which to concentrate on the vast concept of dialogue among civilisations.

UNESCO should provide the forum within which dialogue could take place.  The rules of debate on such a subject would emerge naturally and over time.

UNESCO should make its ethical weight more prominent, providing greater understanding of historical events so that understanding the past does not present an obstacle for current or future co-operation between societies.

The sources of common values ought to be explored in greater detail.

Concrete proposals:

• A future Conference organised by UNESCO ought to discuss young people’s role in society and their perception of the future as well as their understanding of “dialogue among civilisations”.

• UNESCO should sponsor a satellite TV music channel diffusing ‘ world music’ for a greater understanding of others and bringing others closer together.

• UNESCO should establish the priorities as to where to begin in the process of understanding the term ‘civilization’.