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On November 24, 1999, in response to the need for a more specific set of guiding
principles, the three bodies organizing the event (the Barcelona City Council,
the Catalan Autonomous Government and the Spanish Government) unanimously approved
the Statement of Principles and Values, which is based on the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights and United Nations program principles, the only values recognized
internationally. The document reflects the determination of Forum organizers to
disseminate UN principles through all of the initiatives associated with the event.
Principles and values underlying the Universal Forum of
Cultures:
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© Agustí Argelich |
 Democratic values
Respect for democratic values and institutions, with particular emphasis on the
promotion of civic participation.
Individual rights
and freedoms
Promotion of the conditions necessary for peace, based on the defense of individual
rights and civil liberties, particularly in the area of culture. Special attention
must be given to the most vulnerable, to the defense of the values of fairness
and solidarity, to the right to information, and to the acceptance of personal
responsibility for the future.
Respect for all ethnic
groups
With particular emphasis on the protection of ethnic minorities; support and encouragement
in the struggle against all forms of exclusion.
Respect for cultural
identities
With particular emphasis on the protection of minority cultures within the framework
of a process of consolidation of open, plural societies.
The promotion of
interreligious dialogue
Respect for religions and the promotion of interreligious dialogue.
Recognition of linguistic
diversity
Recognition of and respect for all languages, with particular emphasis on linguistic
diversity understood as a part of our universal heritage that needs to be protected
and promoted while support is also given to the learning of common languages and
languages that serve for international communication.
The promotion of
creativity
The promotion of creativity, education and the democratization of knowledge as
means of transmitting values and attitudes that provide the foundation for a culture
of peace and dialogue between cultures. An effort should be made to empower cultural
sectors that stimulate the creativity of individuals and cultural groups while
at the same time contributing to the transmission and conservation of material
and immaterial cultural heritage.
Defense of biodiversity
Defense of biodiversity through the protection and improvement of environmental
quality, and the conservation and rational use of natural resources.
Social responsibility
Recognition of the need for an economic, social and institutional fabric that
is socially responsible and committed to balanced, ecologically sustainable economic
growth.
Sustainable development
Given that in the 21st century cities are the primary human habitat and the space
where human creativity and technological innovation are most often expressed,
particular emphasis should be placed on sustainable environmental, social, cultural
and economic development in urban areas.
Codes of conduct:
Multicultural
event
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© Agustí Argelich |
The Forum is intended to be a multicultural event that involves the majority of
the world’s cultures (with particular attention to minority cultures). In
this way, the event shall be an expression of the cultural heritage of humanity.
Multilingual event
The Forum is intended to be a multilingual event that minimizes linguistic barriers
to participation. Technological advances shall be used to minimize such barriers.
Attention to vulnerable
groups
In the preparation and staging of the Forum, special attention shall be given
to groups facing particular difficulties. An effort shall be made to facilitate
the participation of 1) those who lack sufficient economic resources to attend
the event without assistance, and 2) those for whom it is difficult to attend
the event as a result of the violation of their human rights (particularly civil
and political rights).
Sustainability criteria
The Forum shall act in accordance with principles of sustainability in the design,
organization and staging of the event.
Intellectual development
In relation to the issues addressed, the Forum shall contribute to the development
of ideas, both in theoretical terms and at a practical level. The following approaches
shall be used to make fundamental principles and concepts more accessible to the
general public:
- Creativity in the way issues are addressed and in the overall approach.
- A multidisciplinary approach: issues shall be examined from different points
of view in order to make them more understandable and show how they are interrelated.
- The use of new technologies to more effectively reach a wider audience.
New alliances between
diverse sectors
New alliances shall be promoted between diverse sectors (public authorities, companies
and NGOs). Such alliances are a means of dealing with complex shared challenges
related to the environment, intercultural dialogue and the process of building
peace. In keeping with this objective, priority shall be given to initiatives
that arise from cooperation between different sectors, particularly when such
cooperation is between agents directly involved in the Forum.
Ethical, social and
environmental commitment
All of the institutions involved in the Forum are required to endorse a declaration
of ethical, social and environmental principles based on a set of international
standards.
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