UN officials hail role of cultural, religious dialogue in advancing peace, development
29 August 2014 – United Nations officials today highlighted the important role played by the initiative known as the
Alliance of Civilizations in building bridges to peace, especially amid the current instability in many parts of the
world, as they kicked off a global forum in Bali, Indonesia.
“The Alliance is here for you to serve as a soft power tool for conflict prevention, reconciliation, and to advance
sustainable development,” said the High Representative of the Alliance of Civilizations, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser.
Launched in 2005 through the initiative of Spain and Turkey, under the auspices of the UN, the Alliance seeks to promote
better cross-cultural relations worldwide. Addressing the opening of the 6th Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations, Mr. Al-Nasser said the crises in Iraq, Gaza,
Syria, the Central African Republic, Nigeria, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka clearly demonstrate that societies are grappling
with identity-based tensions.
“Globally, there is a persistent need for the work of the Alliance if we really want to pursue the future we want,” he
told the gathering of government officials, business representatives, faith leaders, media professionals and young
people from around the world.
Mr. Nasser noted that the Alliance retains a strong commitment to innovative approaches. For example, it is working with
the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to promote digital games and apps as avenues for cross-cultural dialogue and conflict resolution.
It is also working with private sector organizations such as the BMW Group and others to promote dialogue and
intercultural understanding, while making vital contributions to prosperity and peace.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted in his remarks that too many of the world’s worst crises are driven by those who exploit fear for power. “Too many societies are
fracturing along cultural, religious or ethnic lines,” he stated, adding “We have much work ahead of us across a
landscape of tension.”
In this context, the many grassroots initiatives supported by the Alliance are making a real difference around the
world, from encouraging Muslim-Christian volunteerism in Mindanao to helping Pakistani university students take the lead
in healing sectarian divisions.
This is the first time the Forum is being hosted in the Asia-Pacific region. With the theme of “Unity in Diversity:
Celebrating Diversity for Common and Shared Values,” the gathering will focus on the ongoing discussions on the
post-2015 development agenda. The theme also includes a direct reference to the Host Country’s national motto, “Unity in
Diversity.”
Speaking at a joint press conference with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Mr. Ban said the Forum was taking place at a time when extremism
poses a grave threat. “Promoting tolerance as well as inter-religious and cross-cultural dialogue has never been more
important,” he stressed.
He also lauded Indonesia for setting an “excellent example of a vibrant democratic culture,” and congratulated its
people on the successful holding of peaceful and democratic elections this year. He paid tribute to Mr. Yudhoyono’s
legacy as the first democratically-elected president and for steering the country towards greater political transparency
and economic growth, adding that he looked forward to working with President-elect Joko Widodo.
Also addressing the Forum today, General Assembly President John Ashe said: “With increasing movement of people across our planet, the diminution of physical borders which modern technology
allows, and the intermixing of cultures, human civilization is becoming less monolithic and more diverse.
“These differences enrich us but they also challenge us to find new levels of empathy, understanding and respect for our
inherent differences.”
He said the Alliance not only focuses on building peace and transforming the roots of conflict, but it also highlights
and promotes what is best in the human spirit, as well as the positive ways in which people communicate and share.
Many of the issues the Forum will touch on during the course of the two-day meeting serve to highlight the core work of
the Alliance, he added, citing the power of sports, art, music, entertainment, social media and cross-cultural dialogue.
“Cultural exchange allows us to welcome and appreciate those who are different and to build on those differences to
create more inclusive, open and peaceful societies. It is a powerful vehicle to strengthen social cohesion, and can play
a role in conflict prevention and reconciliation.”
As one of the meeting’s outcomes, members of the Alliance’s Group of Friends will adopt the Bali Declaration on the
Alliance of Civilizations, reaffirming their commitment to support the mandate of the Alliance and identify concrete and
implementable measures in line with the main theme of the Forum.
ENDS