Remarks
By
H.E. Mr Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
At The Focal Points Meeting
Session 1
Building Trust: The Nexus to Preventing Violent Extremism
New York – UNHQ
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Terrorist attacks and waves of violent extremism have taken our world by a storm in the past year. These incidents have heightened the sense of a widening gap, lack of understanding, and fear within and among societies as well between nations. This discordant environment has been exploited and exacerbated by extremists in all societies.
“The Alliance of Civilizations is intended as a coalition against such forces, as a movement to advance mutual respect for religious beliefs and traditions, and as a reaffirmation of humankind’s increasing interdependence in all areas — from the environment to health, from economic and social development to peace and security.”
These were the words of Kofi Annan ,Former UN Secretary General in 2005 as he launched the Alliance of Civilizations. The events of recent years that he alluded to at that time were a series of horrific attacks from New York to London, Madrid and Bali. These attacks led to increased polarization, a phenomenon so dramatic that the very concept of mutual understanding, tolerance and coexistence among cultural and identity groups was called into question. It was this challenge that he sought to address through the creation of the Alliance of Civilizations.
This context is important because, 10 years later, we face similar challenges. Nonetheless, the scope has expanded and the source has changed from one non-state actor to another.
Nevertheless, the primary objective of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations continues in the manner described by the Secretary-General ten years ago. We must advance mutual respect for religious beliefs and traditions and reaffirm humankind’s interdependence.
How do we do this? We begin by building trust between and among groups.
And how does the Alliance of Civilizations contribute to this effort? As the High-level Group defined our purpose, our raison d’etre, in 2006, we need to build bridges between societies, to promote dialogue and understanding and to forge the collective political will to address the challenges we face.
In today’s meeting we will discuss the ways in which I can intervene to promote the ideals of mutual respect, tolerance and understanding.
I have spared no effort to find the spaces where I can advance this message.
The challenges of 2005 have evolved but they remain in front of us. Threats of division must be met by a relentless commitment by the international community, and we are prepared to do our part. To do so effectively requires a genuine partnership between UNAOC and the Member States that support us. Indeed in complying with the Secretary General’s ONE UN approach, UNAOC seeks to strengthen its existing partnerships and explore new ones.
I look forward to fruitful discussions that can add to that partnership today.
Session 4
7th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in Baku, April 2016: Presentation of the Forum Theme, Programme and Logistics
Dear Participants in UNAOC 7th Global Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan:
It is with great pleasure that I would like to welcome all of you to the 7th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. I am glad to announce that our forum this year is scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 25 – 27 April 2016.
For this important international event, UNAOC will partner with Azerbaijan, a country at the crosswords of cultures. It is a nation that represents a great example when it comes to developing and implementing successful policies to unite men and women beyond cultural differences.
We would like to acknowledge the leadership of H.E. President Ilham Aliyev, and of his delegation, for their generosity in hosting the forum. This reflects their interest in promoting the mission and objectives of UNAOC.
The theme we selected for the 7th Global Forum is “Living Together in Inclusive Societies: A Challenge and a Goal.”
Not only was this specific theme an obvious choice, but it was also a necessity. A necessity to reaffirm UNAOC, Azerbaijan and the International community’s commitment to meet the challenge and the goal of peacefully living together, while embracing diversity in various forms.
I fully trust the forum will represent an incredible opportunity: the opportunity to harness the multiple perspectives of various actors and to determine innovative solutions to move towards living inclusively together.
Dear participants and friends,
I will be delighted to welcome you in April so that you bring your expertise, your vision and your knowledge.
Thank you.