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The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) was established in 2005, at the political initiative of Mr. Kofi Anan, former UN Secretary General and co-sponsored by the Governments of Spain and Turkey.
A High-Level Group of experts was formed by Mr. Annan to explore the roots of polarization between societies and cultures today, and to recommend a practical programme of action to address this issue. The Report of the High-Level Group provided analysis and put forward practical recommendations that form the basis for the implementation plan of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.
On 27 February 2013, Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser assumed the position of UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations succeeding President Jorge Sampaio.
The UNAOC High Representative and Secretariat are based and operating from New York. The Alliance maintains a global network of partners including States, International and regional organizations, civil society groups, foundations, and the private sector to improve cross-cultural relations between diverse nations and communities.
In its 2006 report, the High-Level Group identified four priority areas for action namely, (Education, Youth, Migration, Media). UNAOC project activities are fashioned around these four areas, which can play a critical role in helping to reduce cross-cultural tensions and to build bridges between communities.
Vision Statement
Guided by the principles of the UN Charter, the report of its High-Level Group, and the priorities of the Secretary-General, the UN Alliance of Civilizations works toward a more peaceful, more socially inclusive world, by building mutual respect among peoples of different cultural and religious identities, highlighting the will of the world’s majority to reject extremism and embrace diversity. UNAOC will seek to operate in situations where is can contribute to broader efforts to ameliorate identity based crises and promote culturally sensitive development policies.
Mission Statement
The High-level group described UNAOC as an entity that would assist in diminishing hostility and promoting harmony among the nations. The UN Secretary-General has described it as a soft power tool for bridging divides and promoting understanding between countries or identity groups, all with a view toward preventing conflict and promoting social cohesion. UNAOC pursues its objectives through a variety of activities:
Contacts and dialogues with stakeholders (governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental)
Development of targeted projects
Advocacy, including direct public statements or appearances by the High Representative or UNAOC staff
Interventions to defuse religious and cultural tensions by mobilizing third parties that can act as forces of moderation an understanding such as religious leaders, grassroots organizations, youth leaders and women leaders. |
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