Heads of State and Government, including kings, presidents, and prime ministers from Cabo Verde, Senegal, and Spain, have come together to adopt the Cascais Declaration, a landmark agreement aimed at bolstering peace and mutual understanding in a world plagued by hate speech and mis- and disinformation. The declaration, named after the city hosting the UN Alliance for Civilizations 10th Global Forum, outlines a series of actions and solutions to address the current landscape of eroding trust and rising antisemitism, nationalism, and online hate.
The adoption of the Cascais Declaration marks a significant milestone in the efforts to promote peace and harmony across the globe. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking at the forum’s opening session, emphasized the importance of peace in conflict-ridden regions such as Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and Ukraine, as well as the need for collective action to combat the challenges of our time.
The 10th Global Forum, which included a youth forum, film festival, and Intercultural Innovation Hub ceremony, served as a platform for discussions on pressing issues, from the increase in antisemitism to the empowerment of young people. The forum featured vibrant panels and engaging dialogues aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the root causes of hate and division in society.
“We need voices and actions across all levels, including in communities, online platforms, and cultural institutions, using all available tools to promote peace and mutual respect,” said Mr. Guterres, underscoring the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing the challenges facing the world today.
The Cascais Declaration, consisting of 25 paragraphs, highlights a set of innovative actions and strategies to promote peace and combat hate speech. It emphasizes the potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance intercultural and interreligious dialogue and stresses the need to combat disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech while upholding information integrity.
In addition, the declaration underscores the importance of intergenerational dialogue for peace, sustainable development, and human rights, as well as the role of sports diplomacy in promoting dialogue and understanding. It also emphasizes the need to support and empower women as negotiators, mediators, and peacemakers in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.
World leaders and partners who endorsed the Cascais Declaration pledged to:
– Emphasize the need to combat all forms of religious intolerance
– Recognize the role of inclusive and transformative education in promoting dialogue, peace, and human rights
– Acknowledge the contribution of religious leaders to conflict mediation and development cooperation
– Highlight the positive impact of safe and regular migration on countries of origin and destination
– Encourage the creative vision of young people to prevent xenophobia and promote cultural pluralism
The adoption of the Cascais Declaration signals a strong commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding in a world facing growing challenges and divisions. By coming together and endorsing this landmark agreement, world leaders have taken a significant step towards building a more inclusive and harmonious society for future generations.
The UN Alliance for Civilizations and its Global Forum serve as critical platforms for fostering dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect among diverse cultures and societies. Through initiatives like the Cascais Declaration, the Alliance continues to play a vital role in promoting peace and understanding in a world marked by increasing polarization and conflict.
As we navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century, it is more important than ever to prioritize unity, empathy, and collaboration in our efforts to build a better future for all. The adoption of the Cascais Declaration is a testament to the collective will and determination of world leaders to work together towards a more peaceful and inclusive world for generations to come.
