A/RES/55/23 Recognizing the diverse civilizational achievements crystallizing cultural pluralism and creative human diversity, of humankind, Bearing in mind the valuable contribution that dialogue among civilizations can make to an improved awareness and understanding of the common values shared by all humankind, Stressing the need for the universal protection and promotion of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right of all peoples to selfdetermination, by virtue of which they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development, Underlining the fact that tolerance and respect for diversity and universal promotion and protection of human rights are mutually supportive, and recognizing that tolerance and respect for diversity effectively promote and are supported by, inter alia, the empowerment of women, Emphasizing the need to acknowledge and respect the richness of all civilizations, to seek common grounds among and within civilizations in order to address threats to global peace and common challenges to human values and achievements, taking into consideration, inter alia, cooperation, partnership and inclusion, Welcoming the collective endeavour of the international community to enhance understanding through constructive dialogue among civilizations, Encouraged by the positive reception of Governments, international organizations, civil society organizations and international public opinion to the proclamation of the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations, and welcoming the initiatives undertaken by governmental and non-governmental actors to promote dialogue, Expressing its firm determination to facilitate and promote dialogue among civilizations, 1. Takes note with appreciation of the report of the Secretary-General; 2 2. Welcomes the convening, at the level of heads of State, of a round table on dialogue among civilizations, organized by the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, held at United Nations Headquarters on 5 September 2000 and which further contributed to the promotion of dialogue among civilizations; 3. Invites Governments, the United Nations system, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and other relevant international and non-governmental organizations to continue and further intensify planning and organizing appropriate cultural, educational and social programmes to promote the concept of dialogue among civilizations, inter alia, through organizing conferences and seminars and disseminating information and scholarly material on the subject, and to inform the Secretary-General of their activities; 4. Calls upon Governments to encourage all members of society to take part in promoting dialogue among civilizations and provide them with an opportunity to make contributions to the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations; 2 2 A/55/492/Rev.1.