The General Assembly reaffirms the purposes and principles embodied in the charter of the United Nations, which call for collective effort to strengthen friendly relations among nations, remove threats to peace and faster international co-operation in resolving international issues of an economic, social, cultural and humanitarian character and in promoting and encouraging universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

The General Assembly also recognizes the diverse civilizational achievements of mankind, crystallizing cultural pluralism and creative human diversity. Further it has become aware that positive and mutually beneficial interaction among civilizations has continued throughout human history despite impediment arising from intolerance, disputes and wars.

As a result, it has been decided 10 proclaim the year 2001 as the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations in order to emphasize the importance of tolerance in international relations and the 4 significant role of dialogue as a means to reach understanding, remove threats to peace and strengthen interaction and exchange among civilizations.