Statement on Supporting Intercultural Dialogue

The Statement on Supporting Intercultural Dialogue is an initiative developed by the Global Union for Intercultural Dialogue (GUIDE) with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It offers organizations a formal mechanism to publicly commit to the principles of intercultural dialogue within their own work and communities.

Overview

The Statement is a structured commitment framework through which organizations formally align themselves with the values of cultural diversity, mutual respect, and intercultural cooperation. Rooted in the legacy of the Baku Process, the initiative aims to build a growing network of institutions that translate the principles of intercultural dialogue into concrete, everyday practice.

The Seven Principles

01 — Cultural Diversity as Shared Heritage Cultural diversity is not a challenge to be managed, but a shared heritage to be protected and celebrated.

02 — Dialogue as a Path to Peace Open dialogue between people of different cultures is one of the most effective tools for building trust and preventing conflict.

03 — Standing Against Discrimination Organizations commit to building inclusive environments that give equal opportunity to all, regardless of ethnic, cultural, or religious background.

04 — Empowering Youth Young people are active participants in intercultural dialogue today — not just its future.

05 — Turning Principles into Practice Commitments only matter when they translate into action and measurable outcomes.

06 — Collaboration Across Boundaries Lasting change requires working across sectors, borders, and differences with openness and humility.

07 — Shared Responsibility for Global Challenges The great challenges of our time cannot be solved by any one culture, sector, or nation alone.

Structure

Organizations wishing to join the network complete a structured application providing details of their institution and designated contacts, and submit a signed Statement of Support authorized by their highest-level decision maker. Upon verification, the organization is listed among GUIDE's official signatories.

Outcomes

Signatory organizations become part of an international network united by a shared commitment to intercultural dialogue — ensuring that the principles of the Baku Process extend beyond diplomatic forums and into the policies, programs, and daily operations of institutions across sectors and borders.