Importance of dialogue in an age of conflict
In 2024, China proposed to the United Nations the adoption of June 10 each year as an International Day for Dialogue Among Civilisations. Backed by over eighty member states, this initiative underlined the vital role of dialogue in a world increasingly dominated by conflict, instability, and the retreat of diplomacy in favour of force.
Such a proposal serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding human dignity and rights. Dialogue promotes cultural diversity and lays the foundation for societies built on mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation of religious beliefs, philosophical thought, and shared human values. It stems from the principles of consultation, cultural exchange, and adaptability — recognising the humanity and intellectual independence of the other.
In this sense, inter-civilisational dialogue becomes a means of engaging with differing viewpoints and managing cultural, religious, and even political diversity. Diversity itself is a blessing, highlighting the value of civilisational exchange and mutual learning across social, economic, and environmental spheres. In a world facing mounting political and economic tension, dialogue provides a structural response — fostering international understanding, building bridges, and anchoring global awareness of the value of communication.
Dialogue also enables development, facilitating cooperation through knowledge transfer, technological exchange, investment and shared expertise. These collaborations directly contribute to national progress and sustainable development. Dialogue is visible in educational, cultural, and economic partnerships that help forge harmony and shared growth among peoples.
Yet despite the necessity of dialogue, our world continues to witness stark contradictions. While we celebrate breakthroughs in technology, knowledge economies, environmental action, and market integration, we also endure rising extremism and escalating geopolitical and economic hostilities. As global powers pursue their interests, often at the expense of weaker nations, the gap between ideals and practice widens.
These contradictions reinforce the need for dialogue to resolve disputes, protect human rights, and promote global well-being. Through dialogue, nations can pursue shared goals, foster balance, and cultivate justice-based international cooperation.
Unfortunately, current political and economic conflicts reveal a lack of genuine commitment to civilised dialogue. They expose a failure to apply rational, constructive engagement despite the technological and intellectual capacities of our time. The growing influence of ideological extremism — whether religious, political or economic — must be met with a renewed commitment to equality, justice, and the principles of respectful discourse.
Oman has long upheld such principles. The Sultanate of Oman has consistently called for dialogue, peace, and coexistence, grounding its diplomacy in mutual respect and cross-cultural understanding. Through memorandums of cooperation, bilateral visits, and international agreements, Oman fosters enduring ties built on wisdom and moderation. Its vision is one of global stability and shared development.
Oman's initiatives — such as the 'Message of Islam' exhibition, cultural and tourism outreach, the youth voyages of the ship Shabab Oman, and its participation in international forums — all promote the values of peace and dialogue. Omani media, through dedicated programmes and documentaries, also reinforces these messages. Oman's diplomatic efforts seek not only regional stability but a deeper, global culture of understanding and exchange.
In maintaining firm positions on regional and global issues, Oman has remained committed to human dignity and lawful rights, even as many nations have allowed self-interest to erode such values. Amid widespread political and economic uncertainty, Oman's unwavering approach is rooted in ancient wisdom and a deep-seated belief in peace and coexistence.
Dialogue offers a platform to address some of the world's most urgent challenges. When dialogue is present, understanding follows — paving the way for justice and long-term peace. In its absence, societies face war, famine, poverty, and displacement. Such is the reality in places like Palestine, Syria, Sudan, Ukraine and across parts of Africa.
The world needs dialogue more than ever. Oman and like-minded nations continue to place humanity above all else, calling for an approach to global affairs that puts the dignity of people first. But how can the world celebrate its first International Day of Dialogue while so many lives are being lost, so many others displaced, and others still trapped in cycles of disease and despair?
Translated by Badr al Dhafri
The original version of this article was published in Oman Arabic on June 15.
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