Dialogue is "only way" to solve conflict, controversy, differences: UN envoy

UNITED NATIONS, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Dialogue must replace confrontation as the defining mode of international interaction, a senior United Nations (UN) official has said.

"It is time to put an end to war and conflict. And for that, the only way to solve a conflict or controversy or difference is through dialogue," UN under-secretary-general and high representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Miguel Angel Moratinos said in response Monday to questions from reporters following a thematic dialogue to mark the first anniversary of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.

Such a dialogue "has to be constructive, sincere, committed, and respectful," he said, noting that it should seek to understand others without imposing on them.

"I think the UN, China and the Alliance of Civilizations share the same values -- and the same methodology -- to create a better world," he said.

Moratinos also dismissed notions of cultural or civilizational hegemony as obsolete, describing resistance to diversity as not only misguided but also irrational.

Moratinos recalled that over a year ago, after visiting China and engaging with officials on China's Global Civilization Initiative, he proposed bringing the idea to the UN stage.

The UN General Assembly's decision in 2024 to establish the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations marks a key step, Moratinos said. "This initiative comes at the right moment. And we have to really push forward," he noted. "It's only the beginning."

Held at the UN Headquarters in New York, the event was co-hosted by the permanent missions to the UN of China, Egypt, Peru, Spain and Uzbekistan, together with the UNAOC. ■