Managing Europe's increasing cultural diversity - rooted in the history of our continent and enhanced by globalisation - in a democratic manner has become a priority in recent years. The White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue - "Living together as equals in dignity", responds to an increasing demand to clarify how intercultural dialogue can enhance diversity while sustaining social cohesion.The White Paper emphatically argues in the name of the governments of the 47 member states of the Council of Europe that our common future depends on our ability to safeguard and develop human rights, as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, democracy and the rule of law, and to promote mutual understanding and respect. It concludes that the intercultural approach offers a forward-looking model for the management of cultural diversity.