This high level Forum explored the complex relationship between globalization and cultural diversity, looking at both the enormous potential that modern information and communication technologies and global trade offer to promote diversity and how to avoid the standardization and uniformity of cultures.

Participants included ministers of culture from around the world as well as representatives of the private sector and not-for-profit organizations, coming together to explore innovative models of cooperation and partnerships between public authorities, civil society and the business community so as to build a harmonious global society that truly reaps the benefits of globalization.

• Read the message of Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, UNESCO Director-General
• For more information: People's Daily (Chinese language newspaper)