UNESCO: Values should be discussed

People should discuss not only the diversity of civilizations but also our common characteristics, including shared values and heritage, senior officials of UNESCO said on Wednesday.

Recent attacks in Sri Lanka and New Zealand demand that people become more united, deepen dialogue and fight extremism, which UNESCO addresses through its education, science, culture and information sections, Audrey Azoulay, director-general of UNESCO, said while addressing the opening of the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations in Beijing.

Ali Moussa Iye, chief of the UNESCO section for history, memory and dialogue, said the conference provides a good opportunity for Asian countries to discuss not only cultural diversity but also shared traits and values.