Pakistan’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, underscored the nation’s rich civilisational heritage during a seminar on the “Traditions of the Silk Road and Intercultural Dialogue” held at UNESCO headquarters on Thursday. The event marked the International Day of Dialogue among Civilisations and was part of a series of celebrations promoting cultural diversity, dialogue, and mutual understanding among nations.
Addressing attendees, Ambassador Baloch traced the historical importance of the ancient Gandhara civilisation and highlighted Taxila’s role as a key Silk Road crossroads where cultures, ideas, and traditions converged and thrived for centuries. She emphasized that the Silk Road was far more than a trade route, serving as a vital channel for cultural exchange, intellectual interaction, and fostering connections between diverse peoples.
In a significant development, the ambassador called for a revival of the Silk Road’s spirit in today’s world by fostering dialogue, respect for cultural diversity, mutual understanding, and peaceful cooperation among countries. She remarked that in an era marked by global challenges and increasing polarization, promoting intercultural dialogue and strengthening civilisational bonds is more crucial than ever.
Ambassador Baloch also highlighted UNESCO’s essential role in facilitating dialogue among cultures and civilisations, encouraging constructive engagement, and reinforcing multilateralism principles. She noted that UNESCO’s work in preserving cultural heritage and promoting international cooperation offers a valuable platform for building bridges between communities and advancing peace through mutual understanding.
The seminar gathered diplomats, cultural experts, and representatives from member states to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Silk Road and its continued relevance in fostering dialogue and cooperation in the modern era. As part of the celebrations, Pakistani cuisine was featured, showcasing the country’s cultural richness and its historical connections with the civilisations linked by the Silk Road.
The International Day of Dialogue among Civilisations is observed to encourage mutual respect, cultural understanding, and collaboration among peoples and nations, recognizing dialogue as a vital tool for peace, sustainable development, and global solidarity.
