OPATIJA, Oct 20 (Hina) - Culture Minister Antun Vujic said in a key-note speech at an international conference that the enhancement of cultural literacy and the respect for diversity could reduce the possibilities of
instrumentalisation of culture for the purpose of inciting conflicts.
OPATIJA, Oct 20 (Hina) - Culture Minister Antun Vujic said in a key-
note speech at an international conference that the enhancement of
cultural literacy and the respect for diversity could reduce the
possibilities of instrumentalisation of culture for the purpose of
inciting conflicts. #L#
The international conference, which is taking place in the northern
Adriatic resort of Opatija, has pooled 32 culture ministers and
participants from 48 European countries who will consider the
inter-cultural dialogue and prevention of conflicts. Observers
from culture ministries of countries outside Europe, as well as
guests from the League of Arab States and UNESCO have also arrived
in Opatija to attend this event.
Minister Vujic said it was necessary to establish political and
legislative solutions which cherish cultural diversity. Media can
play an important role in this aspect, Vujic added.
The Council of Europe's Deputy Secretary-General, Maud de Boer-
Buquicchio, said European identity was based on diversity, which
she described as an advantage and wealth.
She went on to say that throughout history, cities that were
tolerant and open for diversity were always the most innovative and
the most productive, which contributed to social and cultural
progress. Attempts to set up monocultural societies have always
failed, she said, urging the gathered ministers to take on the
responsibility for encouraging interculturality.
The aim of the Opatija conference, which closes on Wednesday, is to
adopt a declaration on the role and responsibility of culture
ministers in bids to build a inter-cultural society based on
dialogue and diversity so as to prevent violent conflicts and
ensure reconciliation after they stop.
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