United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

The Role of Transformative Education in Dealing with the Challenges of Our Times
2019-07-16 13:15 - 14:45 (America/Halifax) | Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations
This side event is co-organized by the Permanent Missions of the Republic of Korea and the State of Qatar, UNAOC, UNESCO, UNDP, UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect and the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding.
It will highlight key dimensions of transformative education, as well as explore opportunities for such education at both the country and schools levels to enhance and advance progress on sustainable development and sustaining peace.
The event will serve as a timely opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of transformative education in the UN context, and these efforts will continue throughout next year, fully utilizing the 75th anniversary of the United Nations as a benchmark of momentum to garner support for transformative education from all regions.

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Informal Briefing by the Secretary-General on the United Nations Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites: In Unity and Solidarity for Safe and Peaceful Worship
2019-09-12 11:00 - 12:30 | UNHQ ECOSOC Chamber, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY, 10017, United States
The United Nations Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. António Guterres, will brief Member States regarding the United Nations Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites: In Unity and Solidarity for Safe and Peaceful Worship.
The Plan of Action has been elaborated by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in the aftermath of the horrific attacks on two mosques that took place in Christchurch, New Zealand, on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, and on the three Catholic churches in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, as well as increasing occurrences of other hatred attacks targeting religious sites worldwide.
The Plan of Action was prepared following an extensive series of consultations with governments, United Nations entities, faith-based organizations, religious leaders and other relevant stakeholders, conducted by the office of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations during the period from April to July 2019.

UNAOC: Reviving the Global Dimension (A High-Level Round Table Luncheon)
2019-09-26 14:00 - 17:00 | The Yale Club of New York, 50 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY, United States
“UNAOC: Reviving the Global Dimension”, a high-level round table luncheon, is a launch event for a series of consultations with key UNAOC stakeholders and partners, to promote the values and mandate of UNAOC globally, across all regions and continents.
This new series is launched in line with the High Representative for UNAOC Mr. Miguel Moratinos’ vision to reinvigorate the regional and national strategies of UNAOC, adopted in the past by groups of countries, as well as to provide impetus to the development of new national and regional initiatives, taking into consideration the latest global challenges and trends.

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UNAOC Workshop for Young Peacebuilders of the MENA region
2019-10-07 - 2019-10-12 | Mérida, Spain, Mérida, Spain
Twenty young peacebuilders between 18 and 25 years old from 12 MENA countries will travel to Merida, Spain, to attend the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) peace workshop, organized in partnership with AEXCID.
From 7 to 12 of October 2019, the participants will analyze conflicts, practice peace tools to build bridges between cultures and religions, as well as design a peace project, which they will implement after the training.

About the UNAOC Young Peacebuilders programme
The Young Peacebuilders is a peace education initiative that is designed to support young people in gaining skills that can enhance their positive role in issues of peace and security and in preventing violent conflict. It also brings visibility to the initiatives, actions and projects initiated by young people towards peace and the promotion of diversity and dialogue. UNAOC intends to implement this programme in different regions of the world to grow and strengthen the global movement of young peacebuilders. Through this action, UNAOC is committing to support young people’s participation in peacebuilding with a growing coalition of partners.
Read more about Young Peacebuilders here.

Youth Migration Film Forum
2019-10-18 13:00 - 15:00 | UNHQ ECOSOC Chamber, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY, 10017, United States
Hear youth voices and join their call to action for the human rights of migrants around the world!
Join the PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival (a partnership between the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the International Organization for Migration), the World Council of Peoples for the United Nations (WCPUN), INDOCUMENTALES, the Permanent Mission of Mexico to the United Nations, and the Consulate General of Mexico in New York to celebrate the work of youth filmmakers and discuss the power of storytelling.
The event will feature three youth-produced short films, including past winners of the PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival.
Registration is required for anyone without a United Nations Grounds Pass.
RSVP by 15 October 2019: Click here to RSVP.
For more information, please contact: rportila@mexonu.org.

PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival Awards Ceremony
2019-11-13 10:00 - 13:00 | UNHQ ECOSOC Chamber, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY, 10017, United States
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the International Organization for Migration will hold the annual Awards Ceremony of the PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival. Several young filmmakers from across the globe will be celebrated and will also get a chance to present their films on the pressing issues of migration, diversity, social inclusion, and the prevention of xenophobia.

UNAOC Fellowship Alumni Event: "Engaging women in peacebuilding, conflict mediation and the prevention of violent extremism"
2019-12-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations, 871 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY, 10017, United States
Organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the Permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations
Violent extremism and conflict are transnational threats to global stability which can virtually affect every human being, without distinction of nationality, ethnicity, religion, ideology or gender. Across the UN system, there has been growing awareness that addressing these challenges requires a multi-dimensional and a whole-of-society approach focused on prevention. However, the importance of adopting gender-sensitive frameworks is often overlooked, despite some undeniable progress at global policy level through the advancement of the UN agenda on Women, Peace and Security. Nevertheless, today, women are still almost totally excluded from formal peace processes, while gender stereotypes and grievances are frequently manipulated and exploited by violent groups to enhance recruitment. In that context, UNAOC and the Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN are inviting sixteen young professionals and civil society leaders from Europe, North America, the Middle East, and North Africa, to share their recommendations on the meaningful inclusion of women in mediation efforts and in the prevention of conflict and violent extremism. Following an interactive format, they will exchange good practices to harness the power of media, youth engagement, civil society and religious dialogue to support women in becoming champions of peace. All participants are UNAOC Fellows.
Interested in attending? Click here to RSVP.

View Speakers’ Bios
Download the Concept Note Here
RSVP to the UNAOC Fellowship Alumni Event

Concept NoteSpeakers
Concept Note
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Speakers’ Bios
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2019 Intercultural Innovation Award
2019-12-10 | Madrid, Spain
The 2019 Intercultural Innovation Award Ceremony, a celebration of the most innovative grassroots projects that encourage intercultural dialogue around the world, will be held in Madrid, Spain.
Following a competitive selection process with over 1,200 applications received from 128 countries, ten finalists have been announced by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and BMW Group for the 2019 Intercultural Innovation Award (IIA). Click here to read more about this year’s IIA finalists.
The final rankings will be revealed during the Intercultural Innovation Award Ceremony on December 10, 2019.
The ceremony will be chaired by H.E Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, and Bill McAndrews, Vice President Market Communications, BMW Group.
Learn more about the 2019 Intercultural Innovation Award in Madrid

Interfaith Harmony Week Event: "United Nations Plan of Action to safeguard religious sites: A global communications campaign"
2020-02-14 10:00 - 13:00 | UNHQ Conference Room 11
In the context of the annual World Interfaith Harmony Week established by UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/65/5, UNAOC will organize an event entitled United Nations Plan of Action to safeguard religious sites: A global communications campaign to foster dialogue, mutual respect and understanding on Friday, 14 February from 10:00 to 1:00 in Conference Room 11.
The event will contribute to the implementation of the UN Plan of Action to safeguard religious sites and will feed into the global communications campaign recommended by the Plan.
The UN Plan of Action also recommends that 2020 World Interfaith Harmony Week be dedicated to the protection of religious sites and stresses the importance of interfaith dialogue, which can translate into enhanced respect for religious sites of different faiths and the recognition of their universality as symbols of our shared humanity, history, social fabric and traditions.
The event will consist of a panel discussion followed by an interactive dialogue that will look into the role that global youth and the global faith community can play to create connections to religious sites that can help celebrate their universality, underscore the role of individuals in protecting religious sites, and contribute to fostering dialogue, mutual respect and understanding. Building on the principles of the Plan, namely, respect, responsibility, diversity, dialogue, solidarity, standing together and staying together, the event will help identify issues and recommendations that will feed into the global communications campaign.

LA Dialogue on Creating Cities of Belonging
2020-03-04 - 2020-03-05 | Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
As dynamic laboratories of ideas and practical solutions to problems affecting co-existence, cities can and must lead the way in promoting inclusion, co-existence, and belonging. The LA Dialogue explores those ideas.

Co-organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the City of Los Angeles, and LAMEDINA International Dialogue Institute

The LA Dialogue on Creating Cities of Belonging aims to foster reciprocal knowledge, understanding, and exchange in a safe and stimulating intellectual environment.
The neutral venue of the LA Dialogue, as well as the private, off-the-record nature of the discussions, are designed to help participants develop a deeper comprehension of each other’s challenges and look for collective creative solutions to these challenges.
Under the chairmanship of LA Mayor Eric Garcetti and UNAOC High Representative Miguel Moratinos, Mayors from around the world will interact with select cultural, religious, political, and business personalities to discuss issues of pluralism and diversity.
This unique dialogue structure can thus connect local actors – municipal leaders as well as global players – the United Nations, and civil society. It will take place in Los Angeles at the heart of a global search for a peaceful, inclusive, and multicultural coexistence.
The LA Dialogue will take place over 1.5 days in Los Angeles.
Download the LA Dialogue Flyer

FlyerSpeakersConcept Note

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World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development: Perspectives from the global UNAOC community amid the current health crisis
2020-05-21 08:30 - 10:00 | Virtual
21 May marks the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (A/RES/57/249), which celebrates our world’s many cultures and the critical role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development. On this special occasion, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) – the leading UN entity in the field of intercultural dialogue – invited some of its programmes partners and friends working in the field of cultural diversity across the globe to participate in a virtual discussion. They will share thoughts and experiences about the current health crisis, what it has taught them, and how they envisage our world post-COVID 19, especially in the context of bridging the gap between various cultures to foster respect, mutual understanding, as well as sustainable peace, stability, and development. This event is part of the #OneHumanity campaign of UNAOC, through which it has collected stories of solidarity from its global community to inspire the world to stay united amid the crisis. Learn more by visiting solidarity.unaoc.org and following the hashtag #OneHumanity.
Click here to join the virtual discussion live

Click here to join the virtual discussion live

Virtual Refugee Conference
2020-06-20 12:30 - 13:30 | Virtual
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is organizing an interactive discussion with refugee students on the issue of hate speech against migrants and refugees in traditional and new media and ways to combat it. This event is part of the interactive online conference “Amplify Now”, organized by Kiron – Open Higher Education for Refugees, which is bringing together refugees, non-governmental organizations, academics, and the private sector in a unique global gathering to foster collaborative and results-oriented exchanges around the theme, “Elevating new learning and strengthening communities”.
The UNAOC session will introduce participants to UNAOC’s #SpreadNoHate initiative and include small-group discussions allowing participants to benefit from one another’s experiences and perspectives and leave the session with new ideas on ways to combat hate speech. Alumni of the UNAOC Fellowship programme and current UNAOC Fellows will facilitate the small-group discussions with refugee students.
For more information and to register, visit https://virtualrefugeeconference.com/program/spread-no-hate-UNAOC

PLURAL+ Youth Media Makers Against Racism: a Virtual Watch Party featuring PLURAL+ Winners
2020-06-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Join the PLURAL+ Watch Party Here
Join us for a virtual “watch party” featuring short movies made by young filmmakers who stand up against racism. All featured films are winners of the PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival, a joint initiative of UNAOC and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Featured films:
Exit Right
By Rupert Holler (Austria)
2015 PLURAL+ winner
Synopsis: A man on the bus verbally abuses a black passenger. The story takes an unexpected turn and conveys a strong message using a keen sense of humor.
Click here to watch the video
Inspire
By Awais Ali and Sheroze Khan (United Kingdom)
2015 PLURAL+ winner
Synopsis: A conversation on the positive impact of cultural diversity and immigration, challenging audiences to counter discrimination in their own communities.
Click here to watch the video
A Letter to My Unborn Daughter
By DaeQuan Collier (United States)
2016 PLURAL+ winner
Synopsis: An expecting father writes a letter to his daughter, encouraging African American women to embrace who they are.
Click here to watch the video
Translate into Power
By Andreia Friaças and António Castelo (Portugal)
2018 PLURAL+ winner
Synopsis: Three migrant women recite a poem in its original language, Portuguese, sharing one message of inclusion and resilience.
Click here to watch the video
It’s Not Me, It’s You
By Zavia Forrest and Ella Cooper Creative production (Canada)
2017 PLURAL+ winner
Synopsis: This short film explores the injustices of systemic racism through art, rejecting western beauty standards, and empowering women of color to do the same.
Click here to watch the video
Blue
By Breech Harani (Philippines)
2015 PLURAL+ winner
Synopsis: In this short animation, the main character leaves home to move to a new community and discovers that no matter who you are or where you come from, you are not alone.
Click here to watch the video
The Cops Don’t Know
By Sam Chegini (Iran/United Kingdom)
2016 PLURAL+ winner
Synopsis: This music video explores the history of police brutality against the African American community and reflects on the injustice people still face today.
Click here to watch the video

Seeking Refuge
By Eva Eileen Limones Macdonald (Spain)
2019 PLURAL+ winner
Synopsis: A young refugee adapts to life in a new country with her mother and sister, while navigating friendships across language barriers and the challenges of her mother finding work.
Click here to watch the video
Colour
By Taryn Birkett (Canada)
2016 PLURAL+ winner
Synopsis: Born in Ontario, Canada, to Bajan and Scottish heritage, Taryn reflects on her experience living in a predominantly white neighborhood and takes pride in her diverse background.
Click here to watch the video
The True Impact
By Babar Ali and Sarah Randolph (Nepal)
2017 PLURAL+ winner
Synopsis: This video invites the viewer to reflect on the fundamental impact that discrimination and violence have on individuals and humanity.
Click here to watch the video
Color Makes the World Better
By Carlo Villanueva Ruiz, Claudia Ruiz, Moremil Tornero, Silvana Villanueva Ruiz, and Luciano Villanueva Ruiz (Mexico)
2018 PLURAL+ winner
Synopsis: Through art class and color theory, students explore the concepts of social inclusion, its impact on people’s lives, and how diversity enriches our global society with a mosaic of ideas, choices, beliefs, languages, roots, and cultures.
Click here to watch the video
See Actions, Not Colors
By Joana Maria Sousa (Portugal)
2017 PLURAL+ winner
Synopsis: Shot from the perspective of our four-legged furry friends, this video reminds us to judge people by their actions, not by their skin color.
Click here to watch the video
We are human
By Sophie Kanza, Louise Kanza, and Stuart Williams (South Africa)
2017 PLURAL+ winner
Synopsis: African immigrant youth living in South Africa recite common racist slurs and stereotypes associated with their different nationalities. The video ends with a message calling for African unity.
Click here to watch the video

Join the PLURAL+ Watch Party Here

High-Level Meeting Preventing Violent Extremism through Sport Values
2020-09-18 10:00 - 12:45 | Online
Within the framework of the United Nations Global Programme on the Security of Major Sporting Events, and Promotion of Sport and Its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism

The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) was mandated by the General Assembly to enhance coordination and coherence across the UN System’s counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism work to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The Office coordinates and implements technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives to support Member States’ efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism (PCVE) conductive to terrorism, including through leveraging sport and its values as a tool to prevent violent extremism. Sports have historically played a significant role in the dissemination of positive values throughout the world and across civilization and cultures, especially for the youth, and is a powerful vector for the development of efforts aimed at preventing and countering violent-extremism and radicalization, promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, and facilitating integration at large.
With this vision in mind and within the framework of the “United Nations Global Programme on the Security of Major Sporting Events, and Promotion of Sport and its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism”, UNOCT is convening a two-hour High-Level Meeting on the Prevention of Violent Extremism through Sports, in partnership with the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), the UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), and the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS). The event will precede the launch of a series of initiatives which include, inter alia, the development of a guide for policymakers, a training handbook, a global campaign and a grant-awarding mechanism for local civil society organizations (CSOs) working on sports-based prevention of violent extremism (PVE).
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Security Council resolution 2419 (2018) on Youth, Peace and Security recognizes the “growing contribution of sport and culture to the realization of development and peace in the promotion of tolerance and respect as well as the contributions sport and culture make to the empowerment of youth and women, individuals and communities as well as to health, education and social inclusion objectives”. More recently the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2535 (2020) calling on United Nations entities to improve capacity-building by integrating the Youth, Peace and Security agenda into their technical assistance plans.
The virtual high-level meeting will feature discussions between senior United Nations Officials, Member States and international organizations representatives, policymakers, and sports personalities committed to the fight against violent extremism. The event will be followed by a technical level International Expert Group Meeting where representatives from governments, international and regional organizations, sport bodies, academia and CSOs will share experiences and discuss actionable good practices of sports-based interventions aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism that can inspire the inclusion and further acknowledgment of sports within national and regional action (PCVE) action plans.

UNAOC high-level Group of Friends meeting, followed by 2 interactive panel discussions
2020-09-29 09:00 - 19:00 | Online
Annual High-Level Meeting of the UNAOC Group of Friends
“Shaping a Better World: Building Cohesive and Inclusive Societies in a Challenging COVID-19 Environment”
On 14 July 2020, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) turned fifteen. The Alliance of Civilizations was created as the special initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, who launched it in 2005 at a time when the United Nations recognized an urgent need to fill a policy gap in the governance of cultural and religious diversity, which was threatened by growing divisions between communities and polarization of attitudes triggering the rise of violent extremism, terrorist attacks and the exacerbation of frequent manifestations of intolerance, xenophobia and racism.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic unraveled, there was a strong push-back on cultural diversity, religious pluralism and human rights. Rightly described as a global human crisis, the pandemic threw under a magnifying lens critical issues that lingered on and metastasized over the years. It laid bare entrenched inequalities and fractures. Societies are divided across cultural, ethnic and religious lines. We see it in the resurgence of Neo-Nazis organizations and anti-Semitism. Manifestations of hate speech, racism, xenophobia, and all forms of discrimination against vulnerable communities continue, leading to a vicious circle of extreme violence and terrorist attacks. Youth and women were further marginalized depriving communities of significant potential sources of resilience.
Coincidentally as we mark the 15th anniversary of UNAOC, the international community also celebrates this year the United Nations at 75. It is worth recalling that the existing multilateral governance structures emerged from a devastating global war and the world-wide depression and a pandemic that preceded it. Only events of such global consequence could generate the solidarity, resolve and vision necessary to create those structures.
Events as such remind us of our common fragility and our interconnected fate. If a neighbor, family member, friend, or country is not safe, none of us is safe. History taught us that our well-being and safety are linked to what happens to our neighbor. There is no alternative to standing together in unity and solidarity in cohesive and equitable societies. Fulfilling Goal 16 “Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies” of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is more imperative now than ever before. It is the raison d’être of UNAOC.
The current dark moment in the history of humanity also presents a rare opportunity to emerge from this pandemic closer delivering as one. After all, sustaining peaceful, inclusive and just societies requires an integrated and coherent approach through strong collaboration across the different sectors in any society.
In this context, the overarching theme of the opening plenary session of the annual high-Level meeting of the UNAOC Group of Friends “Shaping a Better World: Building Cohesive and Inclusive Societies in a Challenging COVID-19 Environment” will serve as an occasion to mark the 15th anniversary of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and take stock of what has been accomplished. It will be also an opportunity to present to the Group of Friends, which has grown to 124 member states of the United Nations, along with 27 international inter-governmental organizations and 1 non-member state, the progress made by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations since September 2019 across the different pillars. The High Representative will also present the new initiatives launched in the areas of prevention and mediation, as well as the new actions taken to address challenges posed by the global pandemic of the coronavirus in 2020.
The opening plenary of the meeting will provide the Group of Friends with the space to express their views regarding these underlying questions: What future do we want for our societies, and how do we get there? What can the UNAOC Group of Friends do to support UNAOC in its endeavors?
The opening segment will start at 09:00AM (EDT) and conclude by 11:30AM (EDT). It will be followed by 2 interactive webinars, each for 90 minutes, focusing on: 1) “An Intergenerational Conversation: The Future They Want”, and 2) “Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination: The Tearing of Our Societies”. The concept note and format of the webinars will be shared in due course.

Tentative Programme

09:00AM-09:40AM Opening segment
H.E. Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, chairs the meeting, welcomes participants and delivers remarks and presentation
Remarks by H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations (video message)
Remarks by H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkır, President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly (video message)
Remarks by Spain and Turkey
Video on commemorating the 15th Anniversary of UNAOC

09:40AM-11:25AM Plenary segment
Statements by Member States, Observers and International Organizations (per the list of speakers; interventions are limited to 3 minutes)

11:25AM-11:30AM Closing segment
Concluding remarks by H.E. Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations

11:30AM-11:45AM Intermission 1

11:45AM-01:15PM Webinar 1: “An Intergenerational Conversation: The Future They Want”
Panel discussion among experts, civil society and senior United Nations officials, moderated by UNAOC (Read more about Webinar 1)

01:15PM-03:00PM Intermission 2

03:00PM-04:30PM Webinar 2 “Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination: The Tearing of Our Societies”
Panel discussion among experts, civil society and senior United Nations officials, moderated by UNAOC (Read more about Webinar 2)

Concept Notes and Programmes (please wait for the documents to load)
PlenaryWebinar 1Webinar 2
Plenary Session: High-level Group of Friends Meeting
Download (PDF, 380KB)

Webinar 1: “An Intergenerational Conversation: The Future They Want”
Download (PDF, 361KB)

Webinar 2 “Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination: The Tearing of Our Societies”
Download (PDF, 361KB)

An Intergenerational Conversation: The Future They Want
2020-09-29 11:45 - 13:15 | Online
An Interactive webinar on the margins of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly
The current youth generation is acknowledged as the largest in history with 1.85 billion young women and men 10 to 24 years of age in the world, 90% of whom live in developing countries and one in four affected by violence or armed conflict. Africa and the Arab region have a wealth of young people who account for two thirds of the Arab region’s population and 65% of the African continent.
It would be stating the obvious to say that young women and men are critical agents for social change, economic growth and development. They actively contribute to the resilience of their communities and represent an important pool of talent, ideas, energy and passion. Young people are a key asset which can leverage unparalleled multiplier effects with their ability to mobilize their peers and implement innovative solutions to address challenges.
At the same time, young people continue to suffer disproportionately from conflict and poverty and have been traditionally facing systemic challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated those challenges for most young women and men. Millions lost their jobs and hundreds of thousands remain without education due to partial closures of educational institutions. Failure to address those challenges leads to alienating young people and eroding their trust in the political establishments. Such environment provides an open space for extremist groups to exploit youth’s anger and despair to fan the flames of hatred and radicalization. Extremists and radical groups are taking advantage of the proliferation of digital platforms to double down on social media spreading hatred and offering youth a twisted sense of purpose based on lies.
Yet, during the pandemic, young people had also been in the front lines volunteering and providing support to their communities. They found ways to engage, demand change and fight for peace, inclusion and justice. It is, therefore, essential to recognize young people at the center of our recovery efforts and as we chart the re-building of peaceful, resilient and inclusive societies.
On 27 April 2020, the UN Security Council marked the 5th Anniversary of the adoption of the groundbreaking resolution 2250 (2015) by holding an open debate to take stock of the progress made in the previous five years and identify actions that the Security Council could take to ensure the meaningful participation of the youth in peace and security efforts. During the open debate, the UN Secretary-General presented the key findings of the first report focused on the youth, peace and security agenda mandated by UNSCR 2419 (2018). In his statement, the Secretary-General noted that notwithstanding the progress achieved, the Youth, Peace and Security agenda still faces formidable challenges. Participation opportunities remain inadequate, particularly in the decision-making processes. He called to action on youth, peace and security agenda and to address these challenges guided by the findings of the Independent Progress Study on Youth Peace and Security.
In July 2020, the Security Council adopted resolution 2535(2020), which in its first operational paragraph “calls on all relevant actors, to consider ways to increase the inclusive representation of youth for the prevention and resolution of conflict, as well as in peacebuilding, including when negotiating and implementing peace agreements, and to ensure the full, effective and meaningful participation of youth, recognizing that their marginalization is detrimental to building sustainable peace”.
In February 2019, the UN Security Council welcomed Africa’s initiative of the “Silencing the Guns” and called for international support and cooperation to achieve peace in Africa. In order to achieve (STG) agenda and article 17 of the African Youth Charter, the AU Youth Envoy launched a continental platform for conversation among young people to exchange views on the challenges and solutions towards to achieve a peaceful and prosperous Africa.
Framing the Conversation:
Youth is one of the five pillars of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) together with education, migration, media and the role of women as mediators and peacemakers in conflicts with cultural and religious settings. Through education, capacity building, training and many other opportunities for innovation and creativity, UNAOC empowers young women and men and youth-led civil society globally and recognize them as powerful agents for social change. Over the years, UNAOC has developed programming that recognizes young people as essential partners in fostering mutual understanding between peoples of different cultures and religions, highlighting the will of the majority to reject violent extremism and embrace diversity. Youth-led organizations that foster peaceful and inclusive societies have been supported since 2008 through the Youth Solidarity Fund (YSF). Seed funding and technical support are given to projects, led by and focused on young people, that demonstrate innovative and effective approaches to intercultural or interfaith dialogue. Financial support for recent editions has been provided by the Government of Finland. An independent evaluation report was produced in 2018, of ten youth-led organizations supported by YSF in 2016 and 2017, which includes best practices and lessons for similar youth-focused donor programmes.
In line with the theme chosen to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations and in the spirit of keeping the UN75 dialogues going, this interactive conversation between UNAOC young alumni and senior officials will present an opportunity to further engage young people and amplify their voices around the importance of youth engagement in the peace and security agenda.
Objective:
Through an interactive, intergenerational discussion, the panel will identify key challenges that youth are currently facing as a result of the pandemic and will make recommendations to strengthen their engagement and amplify their voices as the world gears-up for recovering from the pandemic and re-building a better world.
Format:
The virtual event will take place on 29 September, 11:45AM – 1:15PM (EDT) in the form of an interactive conversation between UNAOC youth alumni.

Participants:

Leading the conversation:
Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos
High Representative, United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

Panelists:
Mr. Vladimir Voronkov
Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)
Ms. Diene Keita
Deputy Executive Director for Programme, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Assistant-Secretary-General
Amb. Sima Sami Bahous
Permanent Representative of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United Nations
Ms. Corinne Momal-Vanian
Executive Director, Kofi Annan Foundation

Special Guest
Ms. Aya Chebbi
Youth Envoy, African Union

UNAOC youth alumni panelists
Ms. Sif Heide-Ottosen
Fellowship Programme 2019 EUNA, Denmark
Mr. Tomas Horvath
Fellowship Programme 2017 EUNA, Slovak Republic
Ms. Ahlem Nasraoui
Intercultural Innovation Award 2017, Tunisia
Ms. Magdalen Amony
Intercultural Innovation Award 2019, Uganda
Ms. Theresa Saade
Intercultural Innovation Award 2014, Lebanon
Mr. Syed Ali Abbas
Intercultural Innovation Award 2017, Pakistan
Ms. Louise Kanza
PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival 2017, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa
Ms. Sivatharsini Raveendran
Youth Solidarity Fund 2019-2020, Sri Lanka
Mr. Mohammed Ghanem
Young Peacebuilders 3rd edition, Egypt
Ms. Farah El Alami
Young Peacebuilders 3rd edition, Jordan
Ms. Afaf Lamkoutar
Young Peacebuilders 3rd edition, Morocco

Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination: The Tearing of Our Societies
2020-09-29 15:00 - 16:30 | Online
An Interactive webinar on the margins of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly

The COVID-19 pandemic has torn across the world, affected all segments of the population indiscriminately regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or gender, and continues to have far-reaching health and economic consequences. But for many, the impact extends beyond medical and financial concerns. The pandemic has exposed social and political fractures within communities, with discriminatory responses to fear, disproportionately affecting communities on the basis of their real or perceived national origin, skin color, or religion. Several political parties have latched into the COVID-19 crisis to advance anti-immigrant, white supremacist, anti-Semitic and xenophobic conspiracy theories that demonize minorities on the sheer basis of their religion, belief, or ethnicity.
Outbreaks create fear, and fear is a crucial ingredient for racism, xenophobia, and discrimination to thrive. This phenomenon manifests differently in different contexts and populations. Yet, there is a pattern in discriminatory acts: the target is generally the “other,” i.e., the migrant, someone belonging to a religious or ethnic minority, etc. These behavior patterns, not uncommon before the pandemic, often lead to the fragmentation of society. Racism and discrimination have detrimental effects not only on the safety and human dignity of those who are targeted but also on development, peace, and social cohesion. The United Nations Secretary-General has warned of the repercussions of these discriminatory manifestations urging for an inclusive, equitable, and universal response in addressing the pandemic.
The position of the United Nations on racism and all its manifestations is crystal clear: this scourge violates the Charter of the United Nations and debases the core values upon which it was founded. The prohibition of racial discrimination is enshrined in all core international human rights instruments. It places obligations on States and tasks them with eradicating discrimination in public and private spheres. Therefore, it is imperative to promote tolerance, inclusion, and respect for diversity and stand up against racism, xenophobia, hate speech, and all forms of discrimination. The United Nations Secretary-General has made this a priority through launching initiatives such as the UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, the UN Guidance Note on Addressing and Countering COVID-19 related Hate Speech3 , which builds on the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech4.
Framing the discussion:
COVID-19 is attacking societies at their core. The pandemic has devastated many lives and upended livelihoods. But we should not let it destroy our core humanistic values. Allowing the pandemic to tear apart the fabric of our societies would be one of the most severe upheavals of COVID-19. Inclusion of and dialogue with communities and marginalized groups helps in rebuilding trust and enhancing social cohesion. In this context, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is organizing a webinar to explore ways to scale-up a whole-of-society approach to prevent and counter the scourge of all forms of discrimination, xenophobia, and racism.
Format:
The panel will be convened in the format of an interactive discussion with speakers representing relevant UN entities, human rights experts, and other stakeholders, including the media. Speakers will give brief introductions (three minutes), and the moderator will conduct a tour-de-table.

Participants:
Leading the Conversation:
H.E. Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos
Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for UNAOC
Panelists:
Ms. Pramila Patten
@USGSRSGPatten
Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (OSRSG-SVC), Acting Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide (UN-OSAPG) @UN_GP_RtoP
Dr. Ahmed Shaheed
@ahmedshaheed
Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief
Mr. Jason Isaacson
Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer, American Jewish Committee @AJCGlobal
Ms. Nayeli Chavez-Geller
@nayelichavezg
New York Correspondent, Primer Impacto, Univisión
Ms. Alex Walden
Global Head of Human Rights, Google
Mr. George Salama (tbc)
Head of Public Policy, Government, and Philanthropy – MENA Region, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, Twitter

2020 UNAOC Fellowship Programme
2020-10-05 - 2020-11-04 | Online
“Building Peace in the Age of New Media”
A Virtual Edition of the UNAOC Fellowship Programme

In its online configuration, the 2020 UNAOC Fellowship Programme will take the form of a virtual engagement programme consolidated over 18 days and preceded by an introduction phase of two weeks. The theme is “Building peace in the age of new media” and 20 Fellows from Europe, North America and the MENA region have been selected for their experience in the fields of media and peacebuilding.
From 5 to 16 October, 2020 UNAOC Fellows will be introduced to three online modules on intercultural and interreligious dialogue, media and peacebuilding, in line with the 2020 theme “Building peace in the age of new media”. Developed by UNAOC and trainers, each module will introduce Fellows to global trends, key concepts and good practices in the above-mentioned fields, with a focus on the different contexts across Europe, North America, the Middle East and North Africa.
From 19 to 28 October, each cohort will then engage separately in online conversations with relevant actors from six countries. For each country, Fellows will engage in a series of 60-minute online discussions with (a) government and official representatives, (b) religious and community leaders, (c) journalists and media professionals, (d) civil society organizations and representatives of grassroots initiatives. The topics of these exchanges will revolve around intercultural and interreligious dialogue, as well as the 2020 theme “Building peace in the age of new media”. Cohorts will debrief regularly, both separately and jointly. When feasible, participants will also engage in virtual activities that will introduce them to the cultural diversity of the destination countries.
From 29 October to 4 November, Fellows will engage in webinars and online workshops focusing on (a) interreligious and intercultural dialogue and (b) on “Building peace in the age of new media” and through various pedagogical methods. Each section will offer a webinar developed in collaboration with KAICIID and four online workshops – two workshops will engage cohorts separately and two will engage them together. During these workshops, Fellows will strengthen their competencies in the fields of intercultural and interreligious dialogue, media, and peacebuilding, and collaborate to develop material and recommendations on ways to use media and information technology to support the global community and international organizations in their work towards sustainable peace and conflict prevention.

Agenda

5-16 October: Introduction

19-28 October: Virtual exposure

29 October – 3 November: Capacity building activities

29-30 October: Intercultural and interreligious dialogue

2-3 November: Building peace in the age of new media

11 November: Conclusion

Bios: 2020 EUNA Fellows
Bios: 2020 MENA Fellows

PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival: 2020 Awards Ceremony
2020-12-04 10:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the International Organization for Migration will hold the annual Awards Ceremony of their joint initiative, the PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival. The virtual event will feature short films produced by young filmmakers from across the globe on the pressing issues of migration, diversity, social inclusion, the prevention of xenophobia, the future of our world, and interreligious dialogue.
Every year, PLURAL+ gives young people around the world the opportunity to express their vision and their creativity through multimedia production. To learn more, visit pluralplus.unaoc.org.

Global Pledge for Action Webinar: Gender equality in the context of COVID-19
2020-12-07 10:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
as part of the series of six sessions on implementing the Global Pledge for Action by Religious Actors and Faith-Based Organizations to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic in Collaboration with the United Nations
Co-facilitated by the UN Alliance of Civilizations, UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, and Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

The UN Alliance of Civilization (UNAOC), the Office on Genocide Prevention and Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) held a virtual consultation with religious leaders and actors on 28 May 2020. The consultation was organized in response to the 22 April call by the UN Secretary-General to religious actors to contribute to wider efforts against the pandemic and its consequences. The meeting brought together religious leaders and actors as well as faith-based organizations to discuss possible areas of action and collaboration with the United Nations in the common fight against COVID-19 and its socio-economic impacts. This consultation resulted in the Global Pledge for Action, which includes a declaration by religious leaders and actors with assurances and commitments in response to COVID-19, and a mapping of ongoing activities and possible areas of collaboration with the United Nations.
The first webinar, entitled “Gender equality in the context of COVID-19”, will be held via Cisco Webex on Monday, 7 December 2020 at 10:00-11:30 EDT/16:00-17:30 CET.
For the opening panel discussion, we are delighted to have confirmations from Ahmed Shaheed (UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief), Nahla Haidar (member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women), Samuel Jayakumar (South Asia Forum for Freedom of Religion or Belief) and Ghida Anani (founder and director of ABAAD – Resource Centre for Gender Equality). Ibrahim Salama (Chief of OHCHR Human Rights Treaties Branch) will facilitate the inter-active discussion and peer-to-peer learning.
In the second part of this webinar on 7 December, all participants are kindly invited to present good practices and lessons learnt, and identify specific action needed to promote gender equality in the context of COVID-19. Please feel free to raise any questions, challenges and opportunities as well as to explore options for follow-up and further collaboration.
Participants need to have experience working in the field of combating COVID-19 and its impacts on society. If interested, please send an email with the designated person’s name, contact details and institutional affiliation to mwiener@ohchr.org with copy to anajimenez@unops.org and cruciani@un.org and you will receive the link to join the webinars following the registration.
Learn more about the Global Pledge for Action

UNAOC Fellowship Alumni Event: “Building peace and fostering social cohesion in the age of new media”
2020-12-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and supported by the Federal Foreign Office of the Republic of Germany

When: Thursday 10 December from 11:00AM to 1:00AM EST.
Where: https://www.unaoc.org/fellowship-alumni-event

Background
Across the world, we have witnessed an upsurge in hate speech, bigotry and racist rhetoric on social media and other forms of communication. In the words of the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Miguel Ángel Moratinos: “Stigmatization and vilification targeting certain communities based on their religion or belief is an affront to Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” In line with its motto “Many Cultures, One Humanity”, UNAOC has worked on addressing these challenges by adopting a whole-of-society approach to foster intercultural and interfaith dialogue, building bridges of understanding and countering stereotyping and polarization.
Promoting the use of new media to foster social cohesion and sustainable peace has become crucial to tackle these threats and to deepen progress across the United Nations agenda, UNAOC is working closely to that effect with a wide range of stakeholders such as media professionals, policy makers, the private sector, civil society, youth organizations, women advocates, educators, religious and community leaders and more. In this context, UNAOC has invited twenty young professionals and civil society leaders from Europe, North America, the Middle East and North Africa, to share their recommendations and good practices for the meaningful use of new media and information technology in the global efforts for sustainable peace and social cohesion. All participants are UNAOC Fellows, professionally involved in the fields of intercultural and interreligious dialogue, media and peacebuilding.

The UNAOC Fellowship Programme and its Alumni Network
The Fellowship program is one of UNAOC’s flagship programs funded and supported by the Federal Republic of Germany. It’s an intercultural exchange programme between young professionals and civil society leaders from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Europe and North America (EUNA). The Fellowship aims at deconstructing stereotypes and at fostering dialogue and understanding between youth of different faiths and cultures. During their trip, UNAOC Fellows meet with a wide range of stakeholders. Together, they explore opportunities for intercultural collaboration and exchange good practices on how to address current global challenges.
In 2020, the Fellowship Programme took the form of a virtual capacity-building exchange programme focused on “Building peace in the age of new media”. All 2020 UNAOC Fellows were selected for their professional achievements in the fields of media and peace-building. After completing their Fellowship, participants join the UNAOC Fellowship Alumni Network, a global pool of 250+ young experts and civil society leaders from 53 countries. UNAOC Fellowship Alumni are professionally involved in a wide spectrum of activities.

Objectives of the Event
The High Representative for the UNAOC will lead an interactive discussion with twenty UNAOC Fellowship Alumni from Europe, North America, the Middle East, and North Africa, on the role new media can play in building peace and fostering social cohesion.
In their exchange with the High Representative, discussants will share good practices and ideas about how to harness the power of new media and information technology to support the global community and international organizations in their work towards building sustainable peace and fostering social cohesion.
Together they will touch upon underlying issues such as exploring the definition of peace; fighting misinformation through media literacy; promoting inclusive intercultural and interreligious dialogue; drawing the line between hate speech and freedom of speech; engaging in All-of-Society partnerships
Basing their interventions on their own experience on the ground and engagement with UNAOC, Fellowship Alumni will share recommendations on how to leverage new media as a tool for good in the prevention and mediation of conflicts and in achieving peace.
Participants to the latest edition of the Fellowship Programme will share the lessons learned during their virtual visits to Austria, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Lebanon, Morocco, Qatar, Spain, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States on the role of new media in peacebuilding.

Virtual Exhibition
The event platform will also feature an online exhibition hall with virtual booths where the audience will be able to learn more about UNAOC, its #forSafeWorship campaign, 2020 UNAOC Fellows’ media projects, and other UNAOC programmes and activities.

Speakers
H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos
High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
H.E. Mr. Günter Sautter
Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Nations
Mr. Al Mustapha Sguenfle
Journalist for the Moroccan News Agency
Ms. Alba Sabaté-Gauxachs
Professor of Journalism and Global Communication Management at the Blanquerna School of Communication and International Relations, Ramon Llull University
Mr. Ali Ghaith
Media and Communications Specialist for CARE
Ms. Amal El Jabali
Inclusive and Outreach Education Assistant at UNICEF
Ms. Anne Parsons
Visual Communications Manager at Kiron Open Higher Education
Mr. David Fischer
Media Coordinator for Human Rights Watch
Ms. Elizabeth Arif-Fear
Founder of “Voice of Salam”
Mr. Jacopo Ottaviani
Chief Data Officer at Code for Africa
Mr. Josh Cass
Founding member of the Forum for Religion and International Affairs
Ms. Kawtar Amrani
Product Policy Manager – Trust and Safety for TikTok
Ms. Kholoud Al Ajarma
Anthropologist and Refugee Rights’ Advocate
Ms. Najwa Ben Wheba
Social Media Journalist for Al Jazeera Arabic
Ms. Orla Murphy
Speechwriter to the President of the 75th session of the General Assembly
Mr. Peter Mosaad
Co-Founder of Robabikia
Ms. Radwa Sakr
Administrative Assistant and Consultant to the Executive Director of the Anna Lindh Foundation
Ms. Samiha Tadjine
Academic Advisor for the Advanced Science and Creativity Association
Mr. Tim Mortimer
Programme Manager at The Faith & Belief Forum
Ms. Veronika Verner
Communication Specialist for the Council of Europe
Mr. Walid Alnabahin
Founder of the Media Show initiative
Mr. Yehuda Silverman
Faculty Diversity Postdoctoral Fellow at Ursuline College

First Online Youth Consultation on Preventing Violent Extremism Through Sport
2021-01-20 09:00 - 2021-01-21 12:00 | Online
Preventing violent extremism through sport – An interactive youth consultation
Wednesday, January 20, 2021 (09.00 AM – 12.00 PM EST) and Thursday, January 21, 2021 (10.00 AM – 12.00 PM EST)

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2419 (2018) on Youth, Peace and Security recognizes the “growing contribution of sport and culture to the realization of development and peace in the promotion of tolerance and respect as well as the empowerment of youth and women, individuals and communities. More recently, UNSCR 2535 (2020) called upon the United Nations (UN) entities to improve capacity-building by integrating the Youth, Peace and Security agenda into their technical assistance plans. Sports have historically played a significant role in the dissemination of positive values throughout the world and across civilization and cultures, thus making sports a powerful vector for the development of efforts aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization.
In this context and within the framework of the “Global Programme on Security of Major Sporting Events, and Promotion of Sport and its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism”, the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), and its partners, the UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), through its Save the Dream initiative, are working to launch a series of initiatives within the prevention of violent extremism component of the UN Global Sports Programme:

Global Awareness Campaign to Say No to Terrorism while promoting the use of Sport and its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism. The Campaign will have a global dimension and aim to have its highest moment of visibility on the occasion of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games (taking place in 2021) and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Guide for Policymakers to promote the role of sports and its values in preventing violent extremism and to ensure the inclusion of sports values-based initiatives in the PVE National Action Plans.
Training Handbook and App to assist the organizers of sport events to conduct initiatives aiming at preventing violent extremism by leveraging on sport values such as tolerance, respect, integrity, solidarity, and equality and advocate for youth and children’s participation in sports as a recreational activity helping current and new generations build transferable skills such as confidence, self-control and teamwork.

The current youth generation is acknowledged as the largest in history, with the global agenda increasingly focused on young people as key drivers for meaningly and impactful social movements. Their diversity in course of actions and rationale has greatly contributed to identifying and addressing the triggers of violent extremism. Moreover, young people are the most able to mobilize their peers and to become principal stakeholders of societies that are increasingly free from stereotypes, discrimination and extremism. Their engagement in the prevention of violent extremism spans from sports, art and street theatre initiatives, to online campaigns and capacity development support within global reach. Hence the several elements of the Global Programme will be designed in collaboration with young people as key
stakeholders.
In this online consultation we would like to consult with and collect young leaders’ inputs on the above-mentioned deliverables (campaign, guide, training handbook and app). At the same time, we would like to create a connection between the youth and decision makers, both within as beyond the global programme, by creating a safe space for youth to dialogue with Member States on how to improve the integration of youth in decision making processes.
Following the event, a summary document will be circulated to stimulate continued conversation and sharing information on what is needed to include in compendium and meaningfully include young people in preventing violent extremism at the local, national, regional and global levels.

Tentative Agenda

Wednesday, January 20
(09.00 AM – 12.00 PM EST)
Part I: Warm-up – Welcome and Introduction (20 min)
– Pep talk + Q&A with an inspiring athlete
Part II – First half – Youth Inputs on the project’s deliverables (1hr and 15min)
– Policy Guide
– Training Handbook
– App
– Communication Campaign
Part III – Networking Break (10 min)
Part IV – Second half – Youth Inputs on the project’s deliverables (1hr and 15min)
– Policy Guide
– Training Handbook
– App
– Communication Campaign

Thursday, January 21
(10.00 AM – 12.00 PM EST)
Part V: Game Strategy I – Role of Governments (45 min)
– Introductory remarks about the role of NFP within the project (by UNOCT and/or
NFP’s) – 10 min
– Ice-breaker case studies regarding policy experiences on Sport and PVE – 35 min
Part VI – Game Strategy II – Dialogue with Member States – NFPs (1hr and 15 min)
– Discuss how to establish cooperation mechanisms within the scope of the project and beyond

Live Q&A: Youth Solidarity Fund Call for Applications
2021-01-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
In December 2020, UNAOC launched the Call for Applications for the ninth edition of the Youth Solidarity Fund, inviting youth-led organizations to submit project proposals that seek to promote peace and social inclusion through improved understanding, respect, and collaboration across borders, cultures, faiths, and beliefs.
The application process may seem daunting, but we are here to help! UNAOC is organizing a Facebook live to address some of the most common questions and help you through the process. You may submit your questions in advance on social media by using the hashtags #YouthSolidarityFund and/or #UNAOCyouth.
Join the YSF Live Q&A Here

The International Day of Human Fraternity: A Pathway to the Future
2021-02-04 11:00 - 12:30 | Online
In Commemoration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week

Co-organized by the Permanent Mission of Egypt to the United Nations and The Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations in partnership with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and sponsorship of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity

In recognition of the moral imperatives of all religions, convictions and beliefs to call for peace, tolerance and mutual understanding, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the first week of February every year the World Interfaith Harmony Week through the unanimous adoption of resolution A/RES/65/5 World Interfaith Harmony Week in 2010. Since the adoption of the resolution, many UN Member States, UN entities, faith actors and relevant entities re-iterate their commitment to spreading the messages of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during that week, based on love of God and love of one’s neighbor or on love of the good and love of one’s neighbor, each according to their own religious traditions or convictions.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put to the test our shared human values. It laid bare deep-rooted inequalities in our societies. Communities were divided across religious, ethnic and cultural lines. Growing religious hatred, stigma and manifestations of various forms of discrimination against vulnerable communities including minorities risk undermining global efforts to recover and rebuild better. This phenomenon is an affront to the values and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in particular the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion as well as the UN General Assembly resolution 36/55 of 25 November 1981 “Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief”.
As such, state and relevant non-state actors including, in particular, religious leaders from across the faith spectrum play a vital role in promoting dialogue among all religious groups leading to an improved awareness and understanding of the common values shared by all mankind. Promoting acceptance and respect of religious and cultural diversity through interreligious and intercultural dialogue will create an environment conducive to building peaceful, just and inclusive societies. Member States who have the primary responsibility to counter discrimination and hate speech, and all relevant actors, including political and religious should promote inclusion and unity and to prevent, speak out and take strong action against racism, xenophobia, hate speech, violence, discrimination, including on the basis of age, and stigmatization (UNGA Resolution A/74/L.92 )
In that context, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/75/200 on 21 December 2020 proclaiming February 4 as the International Day of Human Fraternity to be observed every year as of 2021. The resolution co-sponsored by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates takes note of efforts and initiatives aimed at promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue including the meeting between His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad al-Tayeb on 4 February 2019 in Abu Dhabi that resulted in the signing of the “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and living Together”. It also invites all Member States to further promote a culture of peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity.
In that sense, those humanistic principles are aligned with the goals and objectives of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) which was created in 2005 to advance intercultural and interreligious dialogue as a viable tool to prevent and defuse identity-based tensions UNAOC works to advance mutual respect for cultures, traditions, and religious beliefs. Over the years, it has provided a global platform for dialogue between faith actors across the faith spectrum emanating from a recognition that genuine dialogue bridges divide and overcomes prejudices, stigmatization, misperceptions, and polarization. Fulfilling a world of “One Humanity, Many Cultures” is the raison d’etre of UNAOC (A/64/14, A/69/312)
The celebration of the first International Day of Human Fraternity within the setting of World Interfaith Harmony Week provides an opportunity to highlight the principles and value included in the Document of Human Fraternity and explore good practices towards its implementation as a pathway to the future as we rebuild a better world.

Download the Concept Note

AGENDA (tentative)

11:00 – 11:30 High-Level Opening
H.E. Mr. António Guterres
United Nations Secretary-General (video message)
H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
H.E. Mr. Mohamed Fathi Ahmed Edrees
Permanent Representative of Egypt
H.E. Mrs. Lana Zaki Nusseibeh
Permanent Representative of UAE
H.E. Judge Mohammad Abdul-Salam
Secretary-General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity

11:30 – 12:20 Interactive Panel
Interventions by Member States
Interventions by Religious Leaders/Faith Actors/FBOs

12:20 – 12:30 Conclusion
Moderator of the event: Ms. Nihal Saad
Chief-of-Cabinet & Spokesperson for UNAOC

Global Pledge for Action Webinar on the of Safeguard Religious Sites
2021-02-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
The Webinar on the Safeguard of Religious Sites is part of the series of six sessions on implementing the Global Pledge for Action by Religious Actors and Faith-Based Organizations to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic in Collaboration with the United Nations.

Background: The UN Alliance of Civilization (UNAOC), the Office on Genocide Prevention and Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG), and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) held a virtual consultation with religious leaders and actors on 28 May 2020. The consultation was organized in response to the 22 April call by the UN Secretary-General to religious actors to contribute to wider efforts against the pandemic and its consequences. The meeting brought together religious leaders and actors as well as faith-based organizations to discuss possible areas of action and collaboration with the United Nations in the common fight against COVID-19 and its socio-economic impacts. This consultation resulted in the Global Pledge for Action, which includes a declaration by religious leaders and actors with assurances and commitments in response to COVID-19, and a mapping of ongoing activities and possible areas of collaboration with the United Nations.

News Generation Against Hate: An Intergenerational Conversation
2021-03-12 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual
Click here to learn more

Exploring Holistic Approaches to Combating Antisemitism
2021-03-15 08:30 - 12:30 | Virtual
Informal Meeting on Exploring Holistic Approaches to Combating Antisemitism
Watch Live Here

Programme
07:30-08:30 Logging-in participants
08:30-08:40 Opening
Mr. Miguel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
08:40-09:40 Session I:
Setting the Scene: How far we’ve been in the fight against antisemitism? What are the challenges?
09:40-11:00 Session II:
Good/Promising practices of state actors in combating antisemitism: Turning words into Action through adopting national strategies
11:00-12:00 Session III:
Creating synergies and exploring means of enhancing a system-wide response to antisemitism
12:00 Closing Session: The takeaways

Concept Note
Download (PDF, 339KB)

Programme
Download (PDF, 344KB)

(Re)building Post-pandemic Societies: Youth Using Sport to Prevent and Counter Violent Extremism
2021-04-06 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
A Side Event in the margins of the ECOSOC Youth Forum
The ECOSOC Youth Forum 2021 will be held in April to provide a global platform for dialogue between Member States and young leaders worldwide. In this context, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), together with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), and the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), are hosting a side event entitled (Re)building post-pandemic societies: youth using sport to prevent and counter violent extremism. Held on 6 April, this interactive discussion will serve to commemorate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace and highlight the role of youth leadership and sport in preventing violent extremism and ensuring sustainable peace and development.
Watch the Side Event Live

Securing of Vulnerable Targets from Terrorist Attacks: Challenges of Major Sporting Event security governance - launch of the UN Guide
2021-06-29 13:30 - 15:00
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), along with its partners the UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), has the pleasure to share the registration link to the round-table discussion on “Securing of Vulnerable Targets from Terrorist Attacks: Challenges of Major Sporting Event security governance – launch of the UN Guide ” that will take place virtually on 29th June 2021 (13:30 NY time, 17:30 Paris Time 22:30 Bangkok time) on the margins of the 2nd United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week.
This event will debut the UN Global Guide on the Security of Major Sporting Events: Promoting Sustainable Security & Legacies, developed within UN Global Programme on Security of Major Sporting Events, and Promotion of Sport and its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism, featuring contributions from Member States, international and regional organizations, sports federations as well as academic and research institutions.
Please find the registration link for the event here. Participants must register to receive the event access link. A preliminary agenda has been attached for your convenience.
Register Here

Prevention and the Misuse of New Communication Platforms: A Side Event in the Margins of the 2021 Counter-Terrorism Week
2021-06-30 13:30 - 15:00
Prevention and the Misuse of New Communication Platforms
Co-organized by UNAOC, UNCCT, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Register for the Side Event Here

Download (PDF, 448KB)
