A/RES/73/128
Enlightenment and religious tolerance
Acknowledging the diversity of the world and the fact that all cultures and
civilizations contribute to the enrichment of humankind, recognizing the importance
of respect and understanding for religious and cultural diversity throughout the world,
and encouraging tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among different
cultures, civilizations and peoples,
Welcoming the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 4 and
acknowledging that the 2030 Agenda includes the promotion of peaceful and
inclusive societies for sustainable development,
Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General, 5 which provides an overview
of the activities that have been carried out, since the adoption by the General
Assembly of its resolutions 70/19 and 70/20 of 3 December 2015, by the main United
Nations entities working in the areas of a culture of peace and interreligious and
intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace,
Underlining the importance of promoting education, peace, human rights,
tolerance and friendship,
Recognizing, in this regard, the key role of the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization in contributing to peace and security in the world
by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science and culture,
Recognizing also the importance of inclusion, mutual respect, respect for human
rights, tolerance and understanding, in order to build a more secure and peaceful
world,
Seriously concerned by intolerance and the existence of discrimination on
account of religion or belief, and by the ongoing violence in the world, in which
terrorist groups have targeted people for their religion or beliefs,
Considering the value of education, including among others global citizenship
education, and religious tolerance in promoting mutual understanding and respect
among civilizations, cultures, religions and beliefs, in order to help to prevent actions
incompatible with the Charter and relevant United Nations instruments,
Welcoming, in this regard, all international, regional and national initiatives
aimed at promoting interreligious, intercultural and interfaith harmony and combating
discrimination against individuals on the basis of religion or belief,
Convinced that promoting religious tolerance will contribute to the fulfilment
of the goals of universal peace, social justice, friendship, the protection of human
rights and the elimination of ignorance and practices of violence,
Emphasizing that States, regional organizations, national human right s
institutions, non-governmental organizations, religious bodies, the media and civil
society as a whole have an important role to play in promoting tolerance and respect
for religious and cultural diversity and in the universal promotion and protection of
human rights, including freedom of religion or belief,
1.
Welcomes the invaluable contribution of the United Nations and the
relevant entities of the United Nations system to strengthening dialogue in all its
forms, including among and within religions or beliefs, and with broader participation,
including of women, to promote greater tolerance, respect and mutual understanding;
2.
Also welcomes the valuable role of the United Nations Alliance of
Civilizations in contributing towards a more peaceful, mo re socially inclusive world
__________________
4
5
2/3
Resolution 70/1.
A/73/391.
18-21726