Remarks by Under-Secretary-General Miguel Ángel Moratinos,
High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations,
at “Re-Building Bridges: The role of religious communities during a time of crisis in multilateralism”
10 June 2025, Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine
Your Eminence, Reverend Andreas Vithoulkas,
Saint Nicholas Church and National Shrine,
Your Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros,
Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America,
Your Eminence, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton,
Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,
Your Eminence Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton,
President of the USA National Council of Churches,
Esteemed Faith Leaders,
Distinguished Guests,
It is a profound honor to join you here at the historic Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine—more than a sacred space, it is a symbol of resilience, renewal, and the possibility of reconciliation in a fragmented world.
I wish to thank the National Council of Churches for inviting me to this timely gathering.
In naming this session “Re-Building Bridges,” you are not only invoking a metaphor.
You are issuing a moral call for reflection and action. A call that also speaks directly to the core mission of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. A bridge-builder between civilizations, religions and cultures.
A UN entity dedicated to the mandate namely: “Many cultures. One Humanity.”
We meet at a moment when multilateralism is under considerable push-back. The rules-based international order that emerged from the ashes of two world wars faces erosion not just from conflict zones, but from within the very fabric of our societies—polarization, disinformation, ethno-religious nationalism, and a resurgent politics of fear.
I speak from within an institution that was built, in the aftermath of war, on the promise of collective security, international law, and the dignity of all peoples. In 2025, the UN will mark its 80th anniversary. That milestone offers not only a moment of commemoration — but one of reckoning. We must ask: what does multilateralism mean in today’s world? And more importantly, what must it become if it is to remain relevant tomorrow?
In answering these questions, we must be clear-eyed. It is not the idea of multilateralism that has failed us. It is our collective inability — or unwillingness — to empower and modernize it.
We face a deficit not of structure, but of solidarity. We need a reinvigorated multilateralism — one that is inclusive, representative, and effective. One that is anchored not in power politics, but in shared principles, human rights and mutual accountability.
Eminencies,
Distinguished guests,
At this turning point, religious communities are uniquely placed to act as custodians of conscience and compassion and agents of cohesion and unity. You embody enduring traditions of compassion, hospitality, and moral clarity. These are not soft values; they are strategic imperatives in a world riven by mistrust.
Religious leaders and communities have often been first responders—not only in humanitarian crises but in spiritual ones. You carry influence that no diplomat, politician, or algorithm can replicate.
Distinguished guests,
The Alliance of Civilizations was founded to address the very challenges we are grappling with today: the dehumanization of the other, the rise of identity-based violence, and the manipulation of religion for political ends. We therefore, created a global platform for inclusive dialogue bringing together state and non-state actors including religious leaders and faith actors from across the faith spectrum. A safe space for engagement and a genuine exchange of ideas among youth, women leaders, grassroots, academia and media.
Our approach is clear: build bridges where walls are rising;
Foster dialogue where suspicion prevails; and amplify solidarity over division.
In this, we are aligned with the mission of the broader ecumenical and interfaith communities. We know that bridges are not simply built through declarations and motivational speeches—but through listening, presence, and persistent engagement. In conflict zones around the world, we see how faith-based actors can help hold the line of humanity when politics falters.
Distinguished guests,
As we approach the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 20th anniversary of the Alliance of Civilizations, we must reimagine what solidarity looks like in the 21st century. It is not only about preventing war—it is about cultivating a global ethic of empathy and coexistence.
Let us draw inspiration from this verse from Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Peacemaking is not passive. It demands courage, stamina, and the humility to recognize that no single tradition or institution holds all the answers. But together, we can craft responses that honor our shared humanity.
Today, in this sacred space built on both memory and hope, let us commit to being bridgebuilders—not just in rhetoric, but in daily witness. Let us elevate multilateralism not as a bureaucratic process, but as a sacred trust.
Thank you and may peace be upon all of us.