How are we prepared to understand other cultures ? Can we accept multiple ways of understanding and living modernity ? Can we recognize the practical and political consequences not only of the raising economic importance of culture but also the different conceptions of the central role culture plays in society ?

Globalization changes the traditional relations between territory and cultures. What importance should be given to the geocultural issues in the present world conditions ? Should geo-cultural entities play for cultural exchanges a role similar to the one assume by regional entities for other transnational issues ? Will this issue be paid due political and practical attention by the Heads of 55 states and governments when meeting in Beyrouth this month for discussing the intercultural dialogues ?

The media play a growing role in interactions between societies and cultures. Given the impact the media have on values, ideas, symbols and visions of the world, how to reconcile the need for profitability and their responsibility in balanced intercultural dialogues ?

Industrialization of culture has brought growing unbalanced culturals flows. How can the need for cultural security be met by societies that don't have the possibilities of taking their place in the media ?

How to organize relatively balanced exchanges between cultures recognized equal in dignity ?

Should the objectives of the struggle for cultural pluralism be only a special status for cultural products and services in commercial exchanges or the preserved right for States to adopt their cultural national policies ? Should we consider a distinct regime adapted to the specific conditions of cultural exchanges based on managed market opening and reciprocity principles ?