27 Feb 2013 – Speakers at the opening of the 5th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) all emphasized conflict resolution using Syria as an example.
[In Chinese]
Speakers at the opening of the 5th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations all emphasized conflict resolution using Syria as an example.
Under the sparkling chandeliers of the Hofsburg Palace in Vienna, world leaders and other participants are meeting to discuss ways to further the goals of the UNAOC while encouraging more responsible leadership.
The foreign minister of Austria Michael Spindelegger opened the session by stressing how his country’s tradition of wanting a dialogue matches the goals of the UNAOC. That theme was later elaborated on by the country’s Federal President Heinz Fischer.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon spoke about conflict resolution, job creation and specific troubles going on around the globe.
“In too many places, anti-Muslim sentiment has become commonplace,” Ban Ki-moon said. “Migrants from all backgrounds are vilified instead of embraced. When such attitudes are left unchallenged, racists feel empowered.”
He spoke at length about Syria, describing it as a ‘mosaic of tribes, religion, culture and traditions. Later, during a press conference, he blamed the language of hatred for creating a divide in the world.