We have put behind a century, which was characterized by unprecedented progress in science and technology, improving the living conditions of mankind, albeit in an uneven manner, and providing even greater untapped potential, which is yet to be collectively utilized for the equitable and sustainable development of all members of the human family. At the same time, the Twentieth century was marred by a legacy of unparalleled destruction of human beings and their physical and natural environment, caused by advancement of weapons of mass destruction coupled with wanton disregard for human life and the environment.

As we enter a new millennium during a transitional period in international relations, humanity has a unique opportunity to devise new and more humane approach to governance at the national as well as global levels. The fluid nature of the post-polar world provides a breathing space for articulation and formation of universal consensus around innovative and imaginative ideas and initiatives, which can and must break with outdated, yet predominant, perceptions and paradigms.

A reform in governance requires, first and foremost, a reform in prevailing mentalities and the dominant paradigm governing human interactions. The paradigm of interaction and governance in the Twentieth Century could probably be best characterized by the phenomenon of exclusion; exclusion of actors as well as ideas. The dominant interests of the cold war era necessitated a world conception based on rivalry and block formation. Thus, governance required enemies, and security and even prosperity were at one time or another perceived as zero sum propositions. The fallacy that security or prosperity for one group could be achieved at the expense of another fueled the arms race, coercion and exploitation. Nations, cultures and ideas were also measured in terms of their conformity with certain dominant assertions; assimilation or isolation and demonization were the only choices.

Furthermore, the paradigm of exclusion left the entire group of non-state actors outside international decision-making and value distribution processes. While the role and contribution of civil society organizations, academia, intellectuals and thinkers is receiving increasing recognition and appreciation in the global scene, their role, particularly in the international peace and security debate, continues to be marginal at best.

It is encouraging to note that the valuable and imaginative studies and recommendations prepared for the Global Governance Reform Project address a good number of inherent deficiencies of the paradigm of exclusion. Transparency, collective cooperation, empowerment and participation, tolerance and understanding in deliberations and decision-making processes within global multilateral institutions together with the prevalence of solid accountability have been correctly identified as major requisites which would contribute enormously to establish a democratic and more humane governance at the global level. I submit, that it is imperative to address the paradigm itself explicitly, and offer these and similar principles and initiatives as the building blocks of a new paradigm and modality of relationship based on inclusion.

The new approach based on inclusion rests on not only respect for, but indeed celebration of diversity. Contribution together with mutual enrichment of all cultures and civilizations, states and non-state actors as well as individuals should not be merely welcomed but need to be regarded as indispensable. Furthermore, the fundamental change in perception that is the prerequisite of a change of paradigm would entail fundamental revision of current global security and development policy. “Global security networking” would replace block rivalry and zero-sum security doctrines, providing a more conducive environment for disarmament and peacemaking; and balance and equitable human development would become the prevailing concern in formulation of global trade, finance and monetary arrangements. A reformed United Nations will have the primary role in forging global consensus on various challenges facing the current and future generations and the enhanced participation of thinkers, intellectuals, academia and civil society organizations, and most importantly the youth, in articulation as well as supervision would ensure fairness and greater accountability coupled with more serious collective consideration of our common future.

The initiative of President Khatami, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, to launch a global campaign for dialogue among civilizations, represents an attempt to seize the moment of global transition and to instill a new mechanism and modality of interaction based on dialogue, understanding and inclusion of all. The positive reception of this suggestion by the United Nations, and the designation of the first year of the new millennium as the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations is one indication that the world might after all be ready for such a fundamental and historic change in orientation.