A year later, the UNESCO General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity which aims to provide countries to create opportunities for dialogue of cultures and civilizations in globalized conditions while respecting and promoting cultural diversity in their own surroundings.

These are significant dates for us in Bosnia and Herzegovina, because throughout history, the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina have paid a high price by defending the idea of cultural pluralism and diversity. For centuries, Bosnians and Herzegovinians have been striving to preserve and promote the pluralistic character and tolerant spirit of their country.

We have never allowed the idea of cultural pluralism to be defeated. We have not allowed dangerous ideologies of exclusivity to prevail over progressive ideologies of inclusion, integration and pluralism that seek to free human potential.

We stand firmly on the side of those who believe that cultural pluralism is a precious heritage of humanity. We want to persevere in our joint efforts to build a tolerant international community in which diversity will be the source of our common prosperity.

In 2014, the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, together with the then United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, launched an initiative called "Dialogue for the Future", aimed at promoting coexistence and diversity in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This project, the second phase of which was successfully concluded last year, was designed to create space for dialogue, to promote trust building and respect for diversity, to raise awareness, participation and influence of young people in political dialogue on issues affecting further development of our country, to promote the role of education as a driver of greater social cohesion, and to emphasize the importance and role of culture in achieving the common goals of peace building and sustainable development.

The historical experience of Bosnia and Herzegovina offers valuable lessons for finding models of coexistence and diversity.

Regardless of the complex challenges we face, we will remain committed to advancing intercultural dialogue and tolerance as the pillars of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian state and society.