The ministerial conference on intercultural dialogue which took place in Faro on the 27th and 28th of October was set up to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Cultural Convention. During the conference a declaration to promote intercultural dialogue between Europe and her neighbouring regions was adopted.
23/11/2007 :: "The European Cultural Convention sets out a number of objectives. First of all, it aims to promote further understanding of one another among the peoples of Europe and mutual appreciation of their diverse cultural traits, particularly by facilitating the movement of persons and cultural objects. Next, it aims to encourage national contributions to the common cultural heritage of Europe. Lastly, it seeks to promote cultural activities of European interest so as to preserve European culture.
A specific clause deals with European non-member states and the possibility of their accession to the Convention and participating in the Council of Europe cultural work. Significantly, the great majority of the present member states ratified the European Cultural Convention before they joined the Council of Europe.
The Ministerial Cultural Conference in Faro taking place from 27-28 of October 2005 conmemorated 50 years of cultural cooperation, but did also open for signature a new Framework Convention on cultural heritage.
One of the highlights of the Faro conference was however the adoption of "the Faro Declaration on the Council of Europe's Strategy for Developing Intercultural Dialogue". A declaration of intent for inter-institutional cooperation was signed with UNESCO as well as a Memorandum of Understanding with the Swedish based Anna Lindh foundation. A concrete work programme of joint acitivities with the Arab League Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ALESCO) was also approved.
It was concluded that the Council of Europe should continue the intercultural dialogue built on the respect for human rights. "We shall systematically encourage intercultural dialogue on the basis of universal human rights, as a means of promoting awareness, understanding, reconciliation, tolerance and respect for the other, of preventing conflicts and of ensuring an integrated and cohesive society"
"We reaffirm our vision based on the principles of the universality and indivisibility of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. We reject the idea of a clash of civilisations and firmly believe that, on the contrary, increased commitment to cultural cooperation – in the broad sense of the term – and intercultural dialogue will benefit peace and international stability in the long term, including with respect to the threat of terrorism. We will work towards a true and open dialogue among cultures on the basis of mutual understanding and respect
The Faro declaration
Conference programme
Explanatory report of the Framework Convention