News: India reaffirmed its commitment to the ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and religious harmony at the 11th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, UNAOC, forum in Riyadh.
About United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
- The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is an initiative to improve understanding and cooperative relations among nations and peoples across cultures and religions and to help counter the forces that fuel polarisation and extremism.
- It was established in 2005, as the political initiative of Mr. Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General and co-sponsored by the Governments of Spain and Türkiye.
- It has connected governments, lawmakers, local authorities, civil society organizations, the media, and individuals devoted to promoting understanding across diverse communities.
- Secretariat: New York, USA
- Motto: Many cultures, one humanity.
- The Global Forum is UNAOC’s flagship event, convening key leaders and stakeholders from across sectors.
- Fund: The Secretary-General has established a voluntary Trust Fund to support the work of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. The Fund is administered by the UN Secretariat in accordance with UN financial rules.
- Pillars of UNAOC: UNAOC works mainly in five priority areas to which it brings a multidisciplinary and multi-perspective approach: Youth, Education, Media, Migration, and Women as Peace Mediators.
- Functions: UNAOC’s programme activities aim to promote global dialogue on diversity in an interconnected world while preventing intercultural tensions and crises.
- The programmes seek to combat stereotypes, discrimination, and xenophobia, and to support innovative grassroots initiatives that foster intercultural dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation across divides.
