Newswire
Islamabad: Pakistan’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, this week underscored the country’s rich civilizational legacy and called for renewed efforts to promote intercultural dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence during a seminar held at UNESCO headquarters to commemorate the International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations.
Addressing the seminar titled “Traditions of the Silk Road and Intercultural Dialogue,” Ambassador Baloch highlighted Pakistan’s historical role as a meeting point of civilizations and cultures, emphasizing the enduring relevance of the ancient Gandhara civilization and the historic city of Taxila in fostering exchanges among diverse peoples and societies.
The event, organised as part of UNESCO’s celebrations marking the International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations, brought together diplomats, cultural experts and representatives of member states to reflect on the significance of cultural diversity and the role of dialogue in building a more peaceful and interconnected world.
In her remarks, Ambassador Baloch traced the historical importance of Gandhara, one of South Asia’s most influential ancient civilizations, renowned for its contributions to art, culture and learning. She noted that Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, served for centuries as a major crossroads along the Silk Road, facilitating the movement of traders, scholars, pilgrims and ideas across vast regions spanning Asia, the Middle East and beyond.
The ambassador stressed that the Silk Road represented far more than a network of commercial routes. Rather, it functioned as a vibrant channel for intellectual exchange, cultural interaction and people-to-people connectivity, enabling civilizations to learn from one another and cultivate mutual understanding.
“The legacy of the Silk Road reminds us that dialogue, openness and cooperation have always been essential drivers of human progress,” she observed, adding that these principles remain equally relevant in addressing contemporary global challenges.
Ambassador Baloch called for reviving the spirit of the ancient Silk Road by promoting greater respect for cultural diversity, strengthening intercultural engagement and encouraging peaceful cooperation among nations. She noted that at a time when the international community faces increasing polarization, conflict and uncertainty, fostering dialogue among civilizations has become more important than ever.
She further highlighted UNESCO’s pivotal role in advancing cultural diplomacy and promoting constructive engagement among nations. According to the ambassador, UNESCO continues to provide a vital platform for preserving shared heritage, encouraging international cooperation and reinforcing the principles of multilateralism that underpin global peace and stability.
“UNESCO’s efforts to safeguard cultural heritage and promote dialogue among cultures contribute significantly to building bridges between societies and fostering a culture of peace through mutual understanding,” she said.
The seminar served as an opportunity for participants to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Silk Road and explore ways to harness its values of openness, exchange and cooperation in the modern era.
As part of the celebrations, Pakistan also showcased its rich culinary traditions, offering participants a glimpse into the country’s diverse cultural heritage and its historical connections with the civilizations linked through the Silk Road. The presentation of Pakistani cuisine was widely appreciated and highlighted the country’s longstanding role as a crossroads of cultures and civilizations.
The International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations is observed globally to promote mutual respect, cultural understanding and cooperation among peoples and nations. The observance recognizes dialogue as a powerful instrument for advancing peace, sustainable development and international solidarity in an increasingly interconnected world.
