Dear editor,
The June 21 article about UNESCO's new initiative ― ``Rapprochement of Cultures" ― is most welcome. Culture is a strategic element in national and international development policies and cooperation.
Indeed, genuine sustainable development is not possible if it does not recognize cultures' vitalizing force, or if it underestimates the lifestyles, national values, traditions, beliefs, knowledge and skills of peoples.
Therefore, it can be expected that the current International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures will pave the way for the universalization of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005).
This is the first international legal instrument containing a set of guiding principles related to cultural diversity at the global level. It defines the concept of cultural diversity as referring to the manifold ways in which the cultures of groups and societies find their expression, which is, in turn, passed on within and among groups and societies.
Cultural diversity is a fundamental characteristic of humanity. In this context it is appropriate to stress that ``No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive," as rightly predicted by Mahatma Gandhi.
It is a happy coincidence that, in accordance with the United Nations General Assembly's decision, on August 12 the International Year of Youth will be officially launched. Its main theme is ``Dialogue and Mutual Understanding."
It can be reasonably anticipated that both years will contribute to building bridges among younger generations and strengthening their solidarity, as well as to encouraging appropriate cultural collaboration in a global community, as cogently emphasized by Kyoung H. Park in his inspiring article in The Korea Times.
Ioan Voicu Visiting professor Assumption University, Bangkok, Thailand ioanvoicu@yahoo.com