Let me extend to you all, friends, partners and supporters of the Alliance of
Civilizations, my heartfelt good wishes for a Happy New Year! As the melody by late
singer Nina Simone goes “It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life”. These are my
best wishes for 2012.
Let us hope that this new time to come will bring progress, prosperity and peace in
particular for the bottom billion of the earth’s people. But let us go further and work
together to join with millions of citizens, men, women, youth and children around the
world to help them to pursue a better life. Let us commit ourselves with the people in
every country and of every culture and faith to speak out for respect for their universal
rights and fundamental freedoms. Let us stand up with young people around the world
and join efforts to live up to their aspirations for a life in dignity and respect. Let us
speak up against rising intolerance, xenophobia and racism in so many parts of the
world.
As the High Representative for UNAOC, I am committed to do whatever I can to make
2012 the Year of the Alliance.
In the wake of our 4th Global Forum, held last December in Qatar, which culminated a
year of efforts aimed at giving a new impetus to the Alliance by enriching its strategic
outlook, its agenda and its tools, it is now time to renew the global commitment to the
Alliance.
Throughout 2012 with your support and active participation, I hope to rebuild a
stronger sustainable Alliance as a UN platform for flexible and effective soft power
action more able to deliver on-the-spot results. Let us pursue our journey all together
through the New Year! Best wishes for 2012.
– Jorge Sampaio
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