Cultural rights are a fundamental requirement for cultural diversity and social development. However, these rights have been some of the last to be recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in terms of legal content and policy implementation. To improve this situation two UNESCO conventions were adopted recently; the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in 2001 and the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression in 2005. There still remain many challenges to fully understand and revitalize dialogue between cultural rights and cultural diversity. Therefore this forum will offer an opportunity for discussion on the definition, affirmation, and development of cultural rights and diversity within a social context. The main goal of this forum is to examine various perspectives on cultural rights and cultural diversity, including practical implications that are enshrined in international instruments. Also it will encourage the development of policies, programmes and projects to apply the principles as defined in the above mentioned UNESCO conventions. Moreover, in order to identify specific regional topics and issues, the forum will focus on cultural rights and diversity within the Asian context.