Building a framework for commonly shared values.

The dialogue of cultures is a process which also requires the recognition of commonly shared values such as freedom and observance of human rights, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for others and for nature, and shared responsibility, as well as commitment to peace. In other contexts, a focus on transversal values – those shared by two or several cultures – may lead to mutual learning and understanding rather than a focus on universal values. The challenge at present is to consolidate these values and to translate them into reality through concrete action, such as through the UNESCO Peace Education Programme that has been elaborated and implemented in cooperation with UNHCR and INEE. This forms part of a wider agenda on “the quality of education” which UNESCO supports in Member States to improve educational quality through its work in areas such as content, curriculum, learning assessments and schools management. 

UNESCO has designed the Power of Peace Network to utilize new media tools to connect people of the world and thus to enhance cultural self-expression, knowledge of each other and of the values of others, encourage discussion on the issue of pluralism, and through this, enhance mutual understanding and tolerance. This network is inclusive, participatory and collaborative. It is directed at the youth of the world, while ensuring freedom of expression. It involves the Internet as well as film, radio and television, utilizing all possible delivery systems, including over-the-air broadcasting, online, wireless and satellite. The media also play an important role in linking together countries in regions torn by civil strife. An important outcome of UNESCO’s South-East Europe Strategy is the establishment of the ERNO News distribution network, linking South-East Europe public service broadcasters and ensuring a regular exchange of television programmes among all countries of the region. Similarly, Israeli and Palestinian journalists are being brought together through UNESCO to facilitate the understanding of their respective contexts, points of view and values.