UNAOC Group of Friends Ministerial Meeting
2018-09-28 15:00 - 18:00 (America/Halifax) | Trusteeship Council Chamber, UNHQ New York, Conference Building, UNHQ, New York, NY, United States
Building Bridges: Using Soft Power to Promote a Culture of Peace
The United Nations Secretary-General has committed to a vision of what he describes as sustaining peace. The Security Council and the General Assembly view this approach as “both a goal and a process to build a common vision of a society, ensuring that the needs of all segments of the population are taken into account”. This past April, the Secretary-General addressed the General Assembly on the issue of peacebuilding and said, “we need a holistic approach which prioritizes prevention and addresses the root causes of conflict by integrating peace, sustainable development and human rights”. (Read more in the concept note below.)
AGENDACONCEPT NOTEDownload (PDF, 491KB)

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8th UNAOC Global Forum: #Commit2Dialogue: Partnerships for Prevention and Sustaining Peace
2018-11-19 - 2018-11-20 | United Nations Headquarters, New York, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY, 10017, United States
“#Commit2Dialogue: Partnerships for Prevention and Sustaining Peace” will be the theme of the 8th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), to be held 19-20 November 2018 at United Nations Headquarters, New York.
Learn more about the 8th UNAOC Global Forum

Deadline for Applications: Consultant for Independent Evaluation of the Young Peacebuilders Programme- MENA edition
2018-11-21 17:00 (America/Halifax)
Background
Guided by the principle that youth are key actors in achieving peace and social inclusion, the Young Peacebuilders Programme (YPB) supports young people as they gain skills that can enhance their positive role in issues of peace and security and in preventing violent conflict, while bringing visibility to the initiatives, actions, and projects initiated by young people towards peacebuilding and promoting diversity and human rights. The programme also equips them with tools to address stereotypes, prejudice, and polarization in order to build more inclusive and peaceful societies in their local communities and on a global scale.
Read the full Terms of Reference here.

Noon Briefing with H.E. Mr. Miguel Moratinos
2019-01-31 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | United Nations Headquarters, New York, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY, 10017, United States
The new High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, will be a guest at the noon briefing on Thursday 31 January. This will be his first media engagement since his appointment by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and assuming his post on 7 January 2019. Read more here.

Global Conference of Human Fraternity
2019-02-03 - 2019-02-04 | Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The conference is set to address three main themes, the first of which being ‘Principles of Human Fraternity’, which is set to discuss; ‘Consolidation of the Notion of Citizenship’, ‘Combating Extremism’, ‘Promoting Dialogue’ as well as ‘Defending the Rights of the Oppressed and Persecuted’ as some of the most important principles to achieving fraternity among humankind.
H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), delivered remarks in “Session 1: Principles of Human Fraternity”. Click here to read his remarks.

Lecture: "The Initiative of the Alliance of Civilizations" by H.E. Mr. Moratinos
2019-02-04 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Halifax) | Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), will deliver a lecture entitled “The Initiative of the Alliance of Civilizations” at Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey. Click here to read more. Click here to read his lecture.

Promoting Interfaith Pluralism and Understanding for Prevention
2019-02-19 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | UNHQ ECOSOC Chamber, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY, 10017, United States
Organized by the Permanent Mission of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of Spain to the United Nations in partnership with UNAOC and UNOCT
FLYERCONCEPT NOTE
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Background:
Following The Amman Message, a statement calling for tolerance and unity in the Muslim world that was issued in 2004 by His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with the goal to clarify to the modern world the true nature of Islam, and A Common Word between Us and You, an open letter, issued in 2007, from leaders of the Islamic religion to leaders of the Christian religion, calling for peace between Muslims and Christians and aiming to work for common ground and understanding between both religions, at the initiative of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the World Interfaith Harmony Week through the unanimous adoption of resolution A/RES/65/5 (World Interfaith Harmony Week) in 2010. Every year since the adoption of the resolution, UN Member States, UN entities and the international community celebrate the three commandments that are at the heart of every belief – the love of God, love of one’s neighbour, and love of goodwill in February. This commemoration is all-encompassing and inclusive – embracing all people of goodwill – followers of all religions and faiths and all who believe in mutual respect, inclusion, tolerance and harmony.
In 2018, in recognition of His Majesty King Abdullah II’s efforts to promote interfaith harmony, safeguard Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, and protect religious freedom, His Majesty was awarded the prestigious Templeton Prize, a unique prize awarded to figures that have made an exceptional contribution to affirming life’s spiritual dimension, whether through insight, discovery or practical work. This was the first time the Prize honors a political leader and a head of state. The UNSG Antonio Guterres was the keynote speaker at the Award Ceremony which took place in the Washington National Cathedral in Washington D.C.
Objective:
With the participation of Member States and United Nations Entities, as well as a diverse panel of topologists, scholars and religious figures, the event will examine the importance of sustaining and spreading the culture of peace, moderation and non–violence through the promotion of harmony, pluralism and understanding, by sharing expertise, lessons learnt and best practices, so as to support the United Nation’s push on prevention, including preventing and countering violent extremism, terrorism and ignorance and prejudice. In particular, it will address the role of religious figures, faith-based actors, and local communities in raising awareness, showcase the partnerships between faith actors and the UN system, as well as how governments and UN entities can collaborate to send the message of mutual understanding, respect for all human rights and equality in all countries. In connection with the SDGs, it will also touch on the importance of positive narratives and dialogue, as well as spreading a culture of peace through education, as a means of preventing violent extremism and prejudice, particularly among youth. The important role played by women as “drivers” and “agents” of peace, will also be addressed.

Deadline: Trainer for Young Peacebuilders in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), 2019 edition
2019-03-02

European Academy of Religion Annual Conference
2019-03-03 - 2019-03-06 | Bologna, Italy, Bologna, Italy
UNAOC will take part in the European Academy of Religion Annual Conference, from March 4 to 7, 2019. The overarching topic of 2019 Annual Conference is “Empowering the Individual, Nurturing the Community”. Click here to read more.
About EuARe: The European Academy of Religion (EuARe) is a research initiative launched under the high patronage of the European Parliament which offers an exchange platform to academies and scientific societies; associations; research centers and institutions; university labs, clusters, and departments; journals, publishers, media and scholars coming from Europe and the surrounding regions.

Opening Ceremony
Sunday, March 3rd, Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini, Sala di rappresentanza Banca di Bologna, (Corte de’ Galluzzi, 6)
Speakers include:

Jocelyne Cesari, President of the EuARe (moderator)
Armando Barucco, Policy Planner, Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Ján Figel, Special Envoy for promotion of FoRB outside the EU
Alberto Melloni, General Secretary of Fscire
Anna Pavlyuchenko, Member States and Donor Liaison Officer of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
Abdelrahim Ali Mohamed Ibrahim, President of the Islamic Fiqh Academy
Maria-Paz Lopez, Board director Europe International Association of Religion Journalists, IARJ

Application Deadline Extended: UNAOC Young Peacebuilders, 2019 MENA Edition
2019-03-10 23:00 - 23:59 (America/Halifax)

Deadline: UNAOC Fellowship Programme
2019-03-10 23:59 - 2019-03-11 01:00 (America/Halifax)

Press Briefing by UNAOC High Representative at UNOG
2019-03-25 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
Access to press briefings is strictly limited to accredited journalists.

Press Briefing
High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
Subject:
High Representative for UNAOC to present his renewed vision for UNAOC and how to make it more operational & result-oriented in addressing xenophobia, intolerance and hate speech.
Speaker:
Miguel Moratinos, High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
Date/time:
Monday, 25 March at 2.00 p.m.
Place: Press Room 1, United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG)
Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
Contact:
Ms. Nihal Saad, UNAOC Chief of Cabinet and Spokesperson for the High Representative
saadn@un.org; +1 646 255 4664

Intercultural Innovation Award Alumni Event
2019-04-01 - 2019-04-04 | Berlin, Germany, Berlin, Germany
The Intercultural Innovation Award (IIA) Alumni Event will gather alumni from the different editions of the IIA for a knowledge exchange experience.

Webinar to Prepare for SDG 16 Session at the ECOSOC Youth Forum
2019-04-04 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Halifax) | Online
An interactive webinar will be held prior to the ECOSOC Youth Forum to prepare participants for the SDG 16 session, by providing substantive content, unpacking SDG 16 as well as creating a space for questions and answers. The webinar will also be open for young people not participating in ECOSOC Youth Forum but interested in participating in the discussion of youth and SDG 16.
To join the webinar, please use the following link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/767458770
Points for discussion:

Introduction to the theme and the session on SDG 16 at the ECOSOC Youth Forum
The role of youth in preventing violent conflict and in sustaining peace
Youth, human rights and justice
Meaningful youth-inclusion in the follow-up and review of SDG 16

This webinar is prepared as part of the organizing of the session on SDG 16 at the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2019, which is co-organized by UNODC, UN MGCY, PBSO-DPPA, UNFPA, OROLSI (DPO), OSRSG CAAC, UNOY, WFUNA, UNAOC and UNDP.

ECOSOC Youth Forum
2019-04-08 - 2019-04-09
The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum, taking place on 8-9 April 2019 at United Nations headquarters, provides a platform for young leaders from around the world to engage in a dialogue among themselves and with United Nations Member States. The two-day event will feature plenary sessions, interactive thematic and regionally-based discussions, and provide an opportunity for a rich exchange of views and ideas on innovative solutions to issues of relevance to young people on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and also on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under review in the Economic and Social Council and the High-level Political Forum in 2019.
SDG 16 “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” is one of the goals under review. The thematic breakout session will take place on 8 April at 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Conference Room 6, where young people will discuss recommendations on youth empowerment for peaceful, just and inclusive societies. The co-organizers of the session on SDG 16 at the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2019 are UNODC, UN MGCY, PBSO, UNFPA, OSRSG CAAC, UNOY, WFUNA, UNAOC and UNDP.
UNAOC, in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Spain, Permanent Mission of Finland, UNFPA, PBSO and Search for Common Ground, will be hosting a side event at this year’s ECOSOC Youth Forum on Tuesday 9 April, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. in Conference Room E. The topic will be Investing in Youth-Led Organizations to Advance the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda: A Data-Driven Approach. The event will focus on the evidence for funding and supporting youth-led organizations working in the field of peace and security. It will also be a broader call to reflect on the need for a results-based approach, and for entities to convene around monitoring and evaluation for youth engagement

PLURAL+ Photo Exhibition during the ECOSOC Youth Forum
2019-04-08 - 2019-04-09
As part of the 2019 ECOSOC Youth Forum, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is exhibiting photos from its PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival. PLURAL+ is a joint initiative of UNAOC and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) that invites the world’s youth every year to submit original and creative videos focusing on the themes of migration, diversity, social inclusion, and the prevention of xenophobia. The goal of the exhibition is to raise awareness about PLURAL+ and encourage the 1,000+ youth attending the Forum to submit their short videos by 16 June 2019.

SDG Media Zone Panel during the ECOSOC Youth Forum
2019-04-09 12:25 - 12:40 (America/Halifax)
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) will participate in a panel discussion entitled “People on the move” to discuss the pressing issues of xenophobia, human rights, safety, and freedom of people on the move, especially youth. The panel is part of the SDG Media Zone on the margins of the 2019 ECOSOC Youth Forum.

Investing in Youth-Led Organizations to Advance the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda: A Data-Driven Approach
2019-04-09 15:00 - 16:45 (America/Halifax) | UNHQ Conference Room E, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY, 10017, United States
A side event at the 2019 ECOSOC Youth Forum
Young people and technical experts will discuss the data-driven evidence for the importance of investing in youth-led organizations to advance the youth, peace and security agenda.
Concept NoteFlyerDownload (PDF, 828KB)

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Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation
2019-04-25 | Beijing, China, Beijing, China
UNAOC is participating in the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China.

Rights to Indigenous Communications: Honoring our Cultures, Languages, and Traditions through Digital Literacy and Storytelling
2019-04-25 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | UNHQ Conference Room 6, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY, 10017, United States
As part of the 18th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues from 22 April to 3 May 2019, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) will participate in a side event entitled “Rights to Indigenous Communications: Honoring our cultures, languages and traditions through digital storytelling” and organized by Wapikoni mobile, the Coordinadora Latinoamericana de Cine y Comunicación de los Pueblos Indígenas (CLACPI), Isuma TV, and Cultural Survival. The side event will highlight the different issues that Indigenous filmmakers and communicators face in various countries in Latin America as well as in Canada and present the impacts of media initiatives. It will showcase Indigenous short films.

Fourth Ambassadorial Meeting of the GoF on Education for Global Citizenship
2019-04-26 08:30 - 09:45 (America/Halifax) | Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations
UNAOC is participating in the Fourth Ambassadorial Meeting of the Group of Friends on Education for Global Citizenship with the theme “Global citizenship education in preventing violent extremism”. Ms. Vanessa Suen, Project Management Specialist of UNAOC will be presenting the UNAOC Young Peacebuilders programme.

5th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue
2019-05-02 - 2019-05-03 | Baku, Azerbaijan
“Building dialogue into action against discrimination, inequality and violent conflict”
2-3 May, 2019, Baku, Azerbaijan
The Government of Azerbaijan in partnership with UNAOC, UNESCO, UNWTO, the Council of Europe and ISESCO will host the 5th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue under the motto of “Building dialogue into action against discrimination, inequality and violent conflict” on 2-3 May, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The 5th World Forum will examine the critical role of Intercultural Dialogue as an actionable strategy for building human solidarity and helping localities counter the violence and discrimination in diverse communities. Click here for more information.

WFID Breakout Session: "Global Citizenship Education: Nurturing a Culture of Peace"
2019-05-02 14:30 - 16:00 (Asia/Dubai) | Baku, Azerbaijan
“Global Citizenship Education: Nurturing a Culture of Peace”
A Breakout Session at the 5th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue
Our world today is increasingly multi-cultural and multi-polar, where the values of pluralism and diversity should be viewed as enriching rather than polarizing. Beyond classical conceptions of citizenship, we should seek to establish a culture of peace from an early age, where people of different identities, faiths and cultures can identify as global citizens. In this context, Global Citizenship Education (GCED) seems to be the best vehicle to instill these values. GCED involves the use of practical tools for building human solidarity and helping localities counter the violence and discrimination in diverse communities. One of those tools is intercultural and interfaith dialogue. GCED is an important instrument in our collective efforts to achieve peaceful coexistence.
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) works actively to enable youth leaders to acquire intercultural competencies, develop critical-thinking skills and promote the values of diversity and respect of the other with the aim of fostering cross-cultural dialogue, nurturing a culture of peace as well as overcoming stereotypes and intolerance. At the same time, UNAOC strengthens (youth-led) civil society organizations, while highlighting their GCED initiatives, in order to support their integration at the policy level. To contribute to GCED, UNAOC has already implemented and continues to spearhead the following projects: Young Peacebuilders, Fellowship Programme, PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival, PEACEapp, Youth Solidarity Fund and Intercultural Innovation Award, as well as Media Information Literacy (MIL). For more information, visit www.unaoc.org.
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WFID Plenary Session: "#Youth4Peace: Building a Counter-Narrative to Violent Extremism”
2019-05-03 09:30 - 11:30 (Asia/Dubai) | Baku, Azerbaijan
#Youth4Peace: Building a Counter-Narrative to Violent Extremism
A conversation with the UNAOC High Representative
Plenary 2 of the 5th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue

Background:
Today, youth engagement has become a crucial factor in the global efforts to prevent violent extremism and to build sustainable peace. In the fight against radicalization, youngsters are not considered as just victims or vulnerable individuals anymore. They are also regarded as agents of change and champions of peace. Crucial resolutions such as UNSCR 2250 (2015) on Youth, Peace and Security, UNSG Plan of Action on PVE (2016), and UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy’s most recent review (2018) are emphasizing youth resilience and empowerment as key elements to prevent violence and conflicts fuelled by hatred and intolerance. Moreover, working with young people from different backgrounds has proved pivotal to detect early signs of radicalization and to offer meaningful alternatives.
Over the years and through its various programming activities, UNAOC has encouraged youth leadership with the aim to help future generations become active citizens, resilient to extremism and able to counter radicalization through critical thinking. As a result, the Alliance has developed an extensive network of Alumni involved all over the world in key expertise areas, such as youth policy, global education, interreligious dialogue, social inclusion – only to name a few. Besides their remarkable backgrounds and achievements, these young people all have in common to be deeply committed to UNAOC mission of promoting dialogue and respect between cultures and religions.

Concept:
The High Representative for the UNAOC will engage UNAOC Alumni in an interactive format to discuss good practices on countering violent extremism through the promotion of intercultural and interfaith dialogue. Through short presentations followed by an exchange with the High Representative, Alumni will share innovative approaches on ways to involve youth in preventing violent extremism and to include their voice at policy level.
Together, they will examine the role of young people in tackling key issues such as preventing and addressing hate-speech and online radicalization; supporting diversity and the inclusion of minorities; assessing and improving the impact at grassroots level of UN youth policy; education younger generations to tolerance and respect for the other; using interreligious dialogue as a tool for reconciliation.
Basing their interventions on their own experience on the ground and engagement with UNAOC, Alumni will also make recommendations to address the shortcomings and challenges young people face when trying to take part in the global efforts to prevent violent extremism.

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Meeting of the Network of Communication Officers on Migration (NETCOM)
2019-05-07 | OECD Boulogne-Billancourt, France, 46 Quai Alphonse le Gallo, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) will participate the second meeting of the Network of Communication Officers on Migration (NETCOM) on 7 May 2019 at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
This meeting will gather communication officers and political advisers working in the relevant ministries and agencies of OECD member countries to discuss communication objectives and challenges in the area of migration and integration, and share good practices. UNAOC will participate in a session on the role of social media in communicating about migration, and will address the issue of hate speech and fake news.

Deadline for Applications: Logistics and Administrative Assistant
2019-05-09

Facebook Live Q&A Session about the 2019 PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival
2019-05-14 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Halifax)
Calling all young filmmakers around the world!
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will be hosting a live Q&A session about the 2019 PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival on Tuesday, 14 May at 10 AM EST on Facebook (@IOM). Ask all your questions (who can apply? What type of video can I submit? Etc.) by submitting them to plural@unaoc.org or on social media using #PLURALplus19.
Click here to join the Facebook Live

With:
Thibault Chareton, UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
Rahma Gamil Soliman, International Organization for Migration (IOM)

The PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival is a joint initiative of UNAOC and IOM launched in 2009. Every year, the Festival invites the world’s youth to submit original and creative videos focusing on the pressing social issues of migration, diversity, social inclusion, and the prevention of xenophobia. By supporting the global distribution of youth-produced media, PLURAL+ recognizes youth as powerful agents of positive social change. With increasing interest and participation each year since 2009, PLURAL+ has become a premier global platform for youth media distribution. This year, the deadline to submit a video is 16 June! Learn more and apply ASAP by visiting https://pluralplus.unaoc.org/

Deadline for Applications: Intercultural Innovation Award
2019-06-06 11:00 - 11:05 (America/Halifax)

PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival: Submission Deadline
2019-06-16
As part of the 2019 edition of the PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) invite young people around the world to submit original and creative videos focusing on the pressing social issues of migration, diversity, social inclusion, and the prevention of xenophobia.
PLURAL+ video entries must be between one and five minutes and can be of any genre (animation, documentary, music video, comedy, etc.) as long as they convey constructive messages related to the themes of migration, diversity, social inclusion, and the prevention of xenophobia. The deadline to apply is Sunday 16 June 2019 at midnight EST.
Click here to submit a video entry for PLURAL+ 2019
An International Jury will select one PLURAL+ Award winners in each of three age categories (up to 12 years old; 13 to 17 years old; and 18 to 25 years old), and UNAOC and IOM will jointly select one video to receive the Special Award for the Prevention of Xenophobia. PLURAL+ partner organizations will also award a multitude of prizes and professional opportunities to several young filmmakers.
PLURAL+ winners will be invited to New York all expenses paid to participate in the PLURAL+ Awards Ceremony in November 2019 and a series of side events providing opportunities for professional development, co-productions, and networking.

For more information and to submit a video to PLURAL+, visit: https://pluralplus.unaoc.org/ .

PLURAL+ Contacts:
Mr. Thibault Chareton (UNAOC): thibaultc@unops.org | Ms. Rahma Gamil Soliman (IOM): rsoliman@iom.int

UNAOC Fellowship 2019 (EUNA Cohort)
2019-06-26 - 2019-07-10
EUNA Fellows of the UNAOC Fellowship Programme will travel to Morocco, Egypt and Qatar from 26 June to 10 July 2019 and MENA Fellows will travel to the United States, Germany, and Spain from 13 to 27 October 2019. During their respective trips, in addition to addressing issues related to Intercultural Dialogue, both cohorts will also take part in activities and discussions focusing on a theme: “The role of women in peacemaking and conflict prevention”. This theme has been chosen in line with UNAOC mandate and priorities as well as the UN global agenda. The choice of the theme has also framed the selection process and participants from both groups are all involved professionally in the field of gender, peacebuilding and conflict prevention. For more information about the Fellowship, click here.
26-30 June: Rabat and Casablanca, Morocco
30 June – 5 July: Cairo, Egypt
5 – 10 July: Doha, Qatar
