[Discussion] UNESCO International Forum on Eurasia, June 10-12, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

[sule tarakcioglu]

*UNESCO International Forum*
*Eurasia in the 21st Century: Dialogue of Cultures or Conflict of=20
Civilizations?*
*10-12 June 2004*
*Bishkek-Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan*
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            Dear colleagues,
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            It is our pleasure to address you with this letter, knowing=20
you as an active participant in the processes enhancing international=20
harmony, stability and dialogue among civilizations.
            In the face of new and multidimensional threats to global=20
peace and security, the concept of Dialogue among civilizations has=20
assumed ever greater importance and has attracted renewed attention of=20
politicians, scientists, religious and public figures on the highest=20
level. The UNESCO General Conference in November 2001 affirmed that=20
dialogue =93constitutes a fundamental challenge based on the unity of=20
humankind and commonly shared values, cultural diversity and equal=20
dignity of each civilization and each culture=94. It was noted that=20
actions should focus on regional and sub-regional levels so as to move=20
beyond general agreement about the value and need of dialogue to=20
concrete approaches and technologies.
            The UNESCO Headquarters, supporting the initiative of=20
President of the Kyrgyz Republic A. Akaev, will hold the International=20
Forum =93Eurasia in the 21^st Century: Dialogue of Cultures or Conflict o=
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Civilizations?=94 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on 10 =96 12 June 2004.
            The participants of the Forum in their papers and free=20
discussions will consider both positive and negative sides of=20
globalization and alternative ways of development.            =20
Globalization is the reality of today=92s world, reaction to which is=20
different and often aggressive. In this regard, the contemporary=20
geopolitical processes in the context of multi-ethnic and multi-faith=20
space of Eurasia present great interest. Serious attention will be given=20
to  the activities of the countries of Central Asia ensuring their=20
security, their social, economic and cultural development, environment=20
protection, water resources management, issues of terrorism and=20
fundamentalism.  Participants will focus their discussions on the issues=20
of intercultural, inter-ethnic and inter-faith dialogue, and=20
political-ideological and social-economic impacts of globalization.
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*            Main focuses of the Forum:*
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Contemporary concepts of Eurasia, intercultural dialogue and universal=20
human values in the context of globalization.  Dialogue as a paradigm of=20
the contemporary mentality and global ethics.
Historical heritage, cultural identity and human development.
      3.   Cross-cultural interaction in the contemporary educational=20
strategies.
      4.   Sustainable development in the countries of Central Asia.=20
Efficient environment
            protection (political, economic, ecological and legal aspects=
).
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            For participation in the Forum  are invited Heads of States=20
of:  Afghanistan, China, CIS, France, Iran, India, Japan, Pakistan,=20
Turkey; representatives of the UN, UNESCO, OSCE, Shanghai Group,=20
Organization of Islamic Conference; eminent scientists and experts from=20
the United States of America, Europe, Russian Federation, Central Asia=20
and South-East Asia. Scientific programme of the Forum envisages plenary=20
sessions and free discussions.
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            We invite you to take part in the Conference. The Organizing=20
Committee will cover participation expenses, including air ticket=20
economic class, accommodation, local transportation.=20
            We request you kindly to confirm your participation and send=20
us the completed registration form by 15 April 2004, indicating the=20
following information:
Name
Organization, position and scientific degree
Mail address, Tel., fax and e-mail
Theme of your paper
Abstract (attached)
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Working languages:            Russian, English
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Address of the Organizing Committee:
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720040, Erkindik Boulevard, 54, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
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National Commission of the Kyrgyz Republic for UNESCO
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Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee:        Adash=20
Toktosunova (Ms.)
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Tel/fax:            (996 312) 62 67 61;            (996 312) 62 46 81
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E-mail:            natcomunesco@intranet.kg=20
<mailto:natcomunesco@intranet.kg>
                        Polkovnikova_l@list.ru=20
<mailto:Polkovnikova_l@list.ru> (with subject =93Forum=94)
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We hope that you will accept the invitation to take part in the Forum.
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            Secretary General
Kyrgyz National Commission for UNESCO                               =20
            A. Toktosunova
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