More than 2,000 participants, including political and corporate leaders, civil society activists and faith communities have gathered there to take part in the UN Alliance of Civilizations Forum (UNAOC) to discuss how to improve relations across cultures, combat prejudice and build lasting peace.
The Alliance was established in 2005, at the initiative of the Governments of Spain and Turkey, under the auspices of the United Nations.
In April 2007, the United Nations Secretary-General appointed Jorge Sampaio, former President of Portuga, as High Representative for the Alliance.The UNAOC is supported by a Group of Friends- a community of a 100 member countries and some 20 international organizations and bodies.
Speaking out against extremism, advancing tolerance, standing for justice, dignity and mutual understanding. These values are at the core of the Alliance of Civilizations, the secretary-general said, noting that these principles were more important than ever during times of change.
“Everywhere, these values are being tested. We see in the daily news headlines: in Syria, North Africa, across the Middle East, and beyond.”
Ban stressed the Alliance”s responsibility to prevent conflict and violence by promoting dialogue and laying the groundwork for mutual understanding.
“The Alliance has a special role in speaking out when terrorists attack and kill innocent people, when politicians stir hatred and exploit stereotypes to win votes, when moderate voices struggle to be heard amid the politics of polarization,” he said.
The Secretary-General underscored the need to help nations in transition in the Middle East and North Africa who have been part of the so-called Arab Spring movement. “In some countries these transitions have been peaceful. Others have seen bloody crackdowns. But in all, reconciliation is essential for transformations to succeed,” he said.
“There is considerable scope for the Alliance to help these nations to shape their future.” Ban told members of the Alliance that empowering women and youth, along with achieving sustainable development, should also be key areas of focus to ensure a positive future.
“I want the coming years to see an emphasis on the problems of women and children, in particular” in health, in education, in creating jobs and new opportunities on a scale never seen before,” he said.
He also warned against potential new divides that impact development, and called on the Alliance to do its utmost to engage with students, families, activists and their religious communities.
“Have a dialogue ‘ far and wide. But also ensure that it leads to action ‘ real and concrete to make this world better for all people.” (APP)
