The UN Alliance of Civilizations, with its motto of “Many cultures, one humanity,” was established in 2005 by then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to promote cultural diversity, religious pluralism, and mutual respect. Over the past nearly two decades, the Alliance has been actively engaged in various initiatives to bridge divides and promote peace and inclusivity on a global scale. It has collaborated with Israeli and Palestinian musicians, organized symposiums addressing hatred towards refugees, and participated in inter-faith dialogues around the world.
The Alliance works with partners worldwide to foster diplomacy at both local and global levels, with the goal of shaping a more peaceful and inclusive future for all. These values are also reflected in the Pact for the Future, adopted at the Summit of the Future in New York in September, and in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 goals.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the fundamental importance of the Alliance in promoting peace, security, sustainable development, and the construction of a better world. The Alliance is not just a “feel good” initiative but a crucial component of building a better future for all.
The Alliance hosts global events that serve as safe spaces for delegates from over 130 countries to discuss pressing challenges and collaborate on solutions for the future. These events bring together participants from civil society and governments to celebrate common values and offer hope during turbulent times.
The upcoming 10th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations will be held in Cascais, Portugal, under the theme “Uniting in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future.” Delegations from across the world will convene to address a range of topics, including artificial intelligence (AI) and sports, as potential drivers of peace. The forum will feature diverse thematic panel discussions aimed at fostering collective action to tackle today’s most serious challenges with innovative solutions.
The three-day event will see UN Secretary-General Guterres, ambassadors, representatives from civil society, and the private sector engage in discussions on inter-generational paths to sustainable development, religious mediation for peace, and combating hate. Delegates are expected to vote on the Cascais Declaration, a forward-looking pledge for action to drive positive change.
The Global Forum will also feature the PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival, showcasing the work of young filmmakers from around the world. This festival provides a platform for the voices of the next generation to be heard and celebrated.
The Alliance’s commitment to promoting peace and inclusivity is evident in its ongoing efforts to engage with diverse stakeholders and address the most pressing challenges facing humanity. Through its partnerships and initiatives, the Alliance continues to work towards a more peaceful and united world for all.
As the Global Forum approaches, the world looks towards Cascais, Portugal, as a beacon of hope and unity, where delegates from all corners of the globe will come together to discuss and collaborate on shaping a more peaceful and inclusive future for all. The Alliance’s dedication to promoting cultural diversity, religious pluralism, and mutual respect serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing our shared humanity and working together towards a better world for future generations.
