The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2010, International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures, and has defined three main dimensions: dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation. UNESCO, as a specialized agency of the United Nations entrusted with the mandate to build “the defences of peace in the minds of men," has been designated as lead agency of the Year within the UN system. Participants of the competition are invited to express their vision and understanding of the "Rapprochement of Cultures" by designing posters that creatively emphasize the importance of exchange and dialogue among and between cultures in ensuring social cohesion and harmonious coexistence. Designers have complete creative liberty. 50 posters will be selected for display in an online gallery linked to UNESCO's website dedicated to the celebration of the International Year 2010. From 50 selected posters, 30 posters will be printed for an exhibition to be held at UNESCO HQ in May 2010 in the framework of the UNESCO International Festival of Cultural Diversity. From the 30, UNESCO will select an Overall Winner who will receive a $2000 cash prize plus an invitation from UNESCO to attend the poster exhibition at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris in May 2010.