(. . .) In an era when many people like to stress the factors that supposedly differentiate our cultures, UNESCO opposes this rationale of conflict, promoting and developing those factors which unite civilizations -through an open and substantial dialogue, which is duly based on respect for the values of each civilization and culture. This dialogue, however, requires knowledge, a real knowledge of various cultures and their traditions, which will promote the coexistence in harmony of all people, encouraging them to thrive, to create, to dream. This conference has exactly this goal. It focuses on the interaction between the ancient Greek and Iranian worlds in the domains of administration, art and architecture, religion, philosophy and literature. (. . .) Our planet needs now more than ever a universal vision for sustainable development, based on mutual respect amongst civilizations, on the observance of human rights, on respect for the environment, and on solidarity and communication.
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