Reaffirming the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations,

Recalling its resolutions 56/6 of 9 November 2001, on dialogue among civilizations, 57/6 of 4 November 2002, concerning the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, 57/337 of 3 July 2003, on the prevention of armed conflict, and 58/128 of 19 December 2003, on the promotion of religious and cultural understanding, harmony and cooperation,

Recalling also the conclusions and recommendations contained in the report of the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization,/1 transmitted by the Secretary-General to the General Assembly in accordance with resolution 58/128,

Taking note of the various initiatives and efforts to organize interreligious dialogues, including the First Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana on 23 and 24 September 2003,/2and the interreligious dialogue initiative adopted by the Fifth Asia-Europe Meeting, held in Hanoi from 7 to 9 October 2004,

Recognizing the commitment of all religions to peace,

1.Affirms that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of the dialogue among civilizations and of the culture of peace;

2.Takes note with appreciation of the work of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on interreligious dialogue, and encourages relevant bodies of the United Nations to work closely with the organization and coordinate their efforts in this regard;

3.Invites the Secretary-General to bring the promotion of interreligious dialogue to the attention of all Governments and relevant international organizations and to submit a report thereon, including all views received, to the General Assembly at its sixtieth session.

52nd plenary meeting
11 November 2004