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On 9 May, Latvia joined the group of countries supporting the UN Alliance of Civilizations, thus confirming its support for the facilitation of an intercultural dialogue and tolerance on a global scale. Members of the alliance undertake to carry out measures which, whilst countering polarisation of societies and extremism, are aimed at a positive manifestation of cultural and religious diversity under the conditions of globalisation, targeting in particular such areas as education, youth, media and migration. For Latvia, this will be an opportunity to communicate to the international community its support for the diversity of cultures and religions in Latvia.
The initial idea for the establishment of the Alliance of Civilizations belongs to Spain and Turkey, but in 2005 the UN Secretary General declared this to be a global initiative. Under its auspices, member countries are working to identify and develop new co-operation opportunities among governments, international organizations, civil society and the private sector, with the aim of promoting intercultural dialogue, consolidating joint efforts of diverse and different communities in combating extremism and seeking to reduce cultural and social barriers and between Western and Islamic societies.
Presently, the Alliance of Civilizations is supported by the Group of Friends – a community of 74 member countries and 14 international organizations (including the UN, EC, CoE, OSCE and UNESCO).
In the Member States of the European Union, the year 2008 has been designated as "European Year of Intercultural Dialogue" in order to set up long term national policies for the promotion of intercultural dialogue. In Latvia, within its framework, measures will be taken to popularize cultural diversity at various education institutions, to encourage expression of cultural diversity in public spaces with the involvement of the media and to support the activities of diverse cultural group representations.
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