PHNOM PENH, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Representatives of Asian political parties on Saturday reiterated the significance of global and regional cooperation in enhancing civilizational connectivity, inter-generational solidarity and cultural diversity, said a Phnom Penh statement.
Such cooperation will transform cultural assets into resources for peace and reconciliation, the statement said.
The statement was issued after the third meeting of the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), which was held in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia.
The meeting was attended by representatives of 49 political parties from 28 countries and regions.
The representatives supported the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in its endeavors to encourage all stakeholders to fulfill their duty of ensuring the identification, protection, and conservation of their cultural and natural heritage by upholding a culture of respect of civilizations as a compass for a human future.
"We emphasized that the Silk Road is millennia-old route of exchanges of trade, culture and religion, as well as dialogue and knowledge between the East and the West that has contributed greatly to the common prosperity of humankind," the statement said.
The representatives recognized the lack of intercultural understanding and interfaith dialogue as root causes of extremism and conflicts, intolerance, discrimination, social tensions and political instability in recent years, and emphasized the importance of a multilateral framework as a mechanism to enhance cultural dialogue in promoting better understanding of civilizations.
They recognized that a culture of innovation is best understood as the adoption of novel solutions, practices and processes to address existing problems and emerging challenges, with the ultimate aim of securing peace and promoting sustainable development.
"In this regard, we stressed that digital technology and digitalization can contribute to promoting better appreciation of various civilizations as a foundation of a shared humanity," the statement said. ■