The United Nations, indeed the entire global community,observed the year 2001 as United Nations Year for Dialogue among Civilizations. This book captures the essence of what was an important starting point for the year in stimulating global discussions on this challenging subject.

Leaders from all continents assembled in September 2000 to share their views on the eve of the historic Millennium Summit. The political perspectives advanced then were complemented by contributions from personalities drawn from literature, the media, academia, diplomacy and international organizations. In presenting the various contributions, this book sets out a frame for dialogue in an increasingly interconnected world, although also one of growing and troubling disparities and divisions.

The ideas put forward during the Round Table show that a ‘dialogue among civilizations’ is an essential stage in the process of founding a form of human development that is both sustainable and equitable, humanizing globalization and laying the basis of an enduring peace