Universal Forum of Cultures

The International Forum of Cultures is an event that aims to promote dialogue between cultures and seeks to launch a global debate on sustainability, cultural diversity and peace in the world.

The first Forum of Cultures in Barcelona took place in 2004, the second from September 20 to December 8, 2007 in Monterrey ( Mexico).

Forum 2004 in Barcelona

The first forum was held from May 9 to 26 September in Barcelona. It was worn by the City Council of Barcelona, ​​the Catalan Government ( Generalitat de Catalunya), the Spanish Government and UNESCO. A total of 146 participated in NGO. The Forum is brought substantially with the then Mayor of Barcelona, ​​Joan Clos, in conjunction. It was meant to be another great event after the Olympic Games in 1992.

As its objectives the promotion of peace, sustainable development, human rights and cultural diversity were issued. During the 141 days of the forum a number of conferences and congresses took part with personalities from culture, politics, religion and science.

NGOs such as Amnesty International and Greenpeace boycotted the forum because of its commercial orientation: Sponsors for the event included developmental lish controversial companies such as Coca -Cola, Endesa, Indra, Nestlé and Telefónica. In addition, the increased construction costs ( approximately € 320 million) have been criticized. During the design you came from up to 25 million visitors by the end of the forum, there were fewer than 3.5 million visitors.

More forums

2007 took place the second Forum of Cultures in Monterrey ( Mexico). Theme was the meeting of the Indian and the "white" cultures. The third forum was followed by 2010 in Valparaíso ( Chile). Further meetings are planned for 2013 in Naples and 2016 in Amman.