United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
Aim
Work toward a more peaceful, more socially inclusive world, by building mutual respect among peoples of different cultural and religious identities, highlighting the will of the world's majority to reject extremism and embrace diversity; seek to operate in situations where it can contribute to broader efforts to ameliorate identity based crises and promote culturally sensitive development policies.
History
Foundation in 2005. Appointment of 1st High Representative in April 2007; As of 2016, UNAOC membership of the Group of Friends has now reached 145 and counting.
IRD Activities
- Summer School
UNAOC's Summer School brings together youth from around the world to address pressing global challenges within the context of cultural and religious diversity. Over the course of one week, a group of 75-100 participants aged 18-35 live together and participate in workshops and roundtables focused on understanding and fostering global citizenship, reducing stereotypes, promoting intercultural and interreligious harmony and building alliances through the use of concrete tools
- Fellowship Programme
The programme is a cultural exchange programme in which 15 emerging leaders from the Arab world and 15 from the Western world travel to the others' region for 10 days in order to meet and exchange ideas with key decision makers, grassroots organisations, media, local communities and religious groups. These in-depth discussions and engagement with diverse communities provide the opportunity for fellowship participants to deconstruct stereotypes, build mutual understanding and respect, and form an inclusive network for future leaders. This approach is particularly powerful as it is an experiential tool for dialogue aiming to improve intercultural (as well as interreligious) relations
Main Focus Countries of Activities
New York, NY, USA - World