June 10th marks the First International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, which promotes cultural understanding, global co-operation and peaceful co-existence based on mutual respect.

In this time of growing global uncertainty, deepening humanitarian crises and division, the UN Secretary-General’s message is “to listen, to speak, to connect”.

He calls on us all:

Let’s answer hate with humanity.

Let’s listen with open hearts and open minds.

Let’s choose dialogue over division.

And let us strive to be one human family, rich in diversity, united in solidarity, and equal in dignity and human rights.

In this month when the appeal for peace and solidarity has grown ever louder, may the call of the Secretary General direct our minds, our hearts, our words, our actions and our prayer.