International Conference

"The Role of Women in Intercultural Dialogue in Central Asia"

Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 11th-13th June 2003

Woman playing dombra, south-Kazakhstan

Within the framework of the UNESCO project on Intercultural Dialogue in Central Asia, an International Conference on the Role of Women in Intercultural Dialogue in Central Asia will be held in Dushanbe (Tajikistan), on 11/13 June 2003. This activity is being organized by the Division of Cultural Policies and Intercultural Dialogue together with the UNESCO Office in Almaty and the Tajik National Commission for UNESCO.

The International Conference will promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices, discussions and positive thinking regarding women's active role in building and nurturing a lasting intercultural dialogue and peace in Central Asia, as well as underline the role of women in culture and sustainable development in a globalized world. In this regard, the creation of the Central Asian women's cultural network and exchanges among women's organizations, focusing in particular on women artists, artisans and journalists will be discussed, using new information and communication technologies.

Sogdian Fresco - Chinese dancer National Museum of Antiquities, Dushanbe

The following themes will be discussed during the conference:

· CULTURE, WOMEN AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN CENTRAL ASIA
The Challenges of Globalization: Protecting Cultural Diversity and Plural Identities
Cultural Policy for Development: Women in Cultural Policies
Knowledge Society: Culture and the New Media Technologies

· THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE IN CENTRAL ASIA
Women's Initiatives in and Contributions to Culture and Media
Women and Interreligious Dialogue
Women and a Culture of Peace

Practical information

Central Asian women's cultural network