The UNAOC works in part through thematic platforms. Their aim is to foster deliberate cooperation among countries that are part of UNAOC’s Group of Friends.
Two thematic platforms are now active: one addresses media literacy, and the other cooperation with and among faith-inspired actors in international humanitarian and development work.
Through the thematic platform titled Bridging the Divide in Development and Humanitarian Work, the UNAOC aims at
1) Enhancing the effectiveness of humanitarian and development assistance and its sustainable contributions to local development and to global goals; and
2) Addressing tensions that affect relationships among different cultures.
The attached policy brief [PDF] and the working paper [PDF] are the result of the “dialogue in action” encouraged by the UNAOC and supported by Switzerland within the thematic platform.
Addressing the issues involved in bringing religious voices into humanitarian and development policy, the paper and the policy brief identify gaps and priority issues, and provide recommendations for actions that can be taken by all the actors involved – IGOs, faith-inspired organizations, governments, and the media.