Working with its global network of government partners, the Alliance promotes policies and initiatives aimed at improving relations between diverse cultural groups. It also works at the grassroots level in society, promoting innovative projects that build trust, reconciliation and mutual respect among diverse communities.

The Alliance works in four program areas to support such projects. These areas are: youth, media, education, and migration.

At a political level, mainly through role of the UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, former Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio, the Alliance works to build platforms for dialogue among political, religious, media and civil society leaders who are prepared to use their influence in advancing the objectives of the Alliance of Civilizations.