A/RES/54/160 Page 2 Reaffirming that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated and that the international community must treat human rights globally in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing and with the same emphasis, and that, while the significance of national and regional particularities and various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds must be borne in mind, it is the duty of States, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, Recognizing that cultural diversity and the pursuit of cultural development by all peoples and nations are a source of mutual enrichment for the cultural life of humankind, Considering that tolerance of cultural, ethnic and religious diversities is essential for peace, understanding and friendship among individuals and people of different cultures and nations of the world, Recognizing in each culture a dignity and value which deserves recognition, respect and preservation, and convinced also that in their rich variety and diversity, and in the reciprocal influences they exert on one another, all cultures form part of the common heritage belonging to all humankind, Convinced that the promotion of cultural pluralism, tolerance towards and dialogue among various cultures and civilizations would contribute to the efforts of all peoples and nations to enrich their cultures and traditions by engaging in a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and intellectual, moral and material achievements, 1. Affirms the importance for all peoples and nations to hold, develop and preserve their cultural heritage and traditions in a national and international atmosphere of peace, tolerance and mutual respect; 2. Recognizes that respect for cultural diversity and the cultural rights of all enhances cultural pluralism, contributing to a wider exchange of knowledge and understanding of cultural background, advancing the application and enjoyment of universally accepted human rights across the world and fostering stable friendly relations among peoples and nations worldwide; 3. Emphasizes that the promotion of cultural pluralism and tolerance at the national and international levels is important for enhancing respect for cultural rights and cultural diversity; 4. Calls upon States, international organizations and United Nations agencies, and invites civil society, including non-governmental organizations, for the purpose of advancing the objectives of peace, development and universally accepted human rights, to recognize and respect cultural diversity; 5. Requests the Secretary-General, in the light of the present resolution, to prepare a report on human rights and cultural diversity, taking into account the views of Member States, relevant United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations, and to submit it to the General Assembly at its fifty-fifth session; 6. Decides to continue consideration of this question at its fifty-fifth session under the sub-item entitled “Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms”. 83rd plenary meeting 17 December 1999