August 28, 2014 – 12.45 PM
Frangipani Room – Westin Hotel
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am really pleased to see you all here today on this beautiful island ahead of the 2014 Intercultural Innovation Award Ceremony and the 6th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.
Since 2011, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the BMW Group have engaged in a historic partnership whose mandate is to select and support innovative grassroots projects that promote intercultural dialogue and understanding contributing to prosperity and peace.
Later tonight we will be hearing about extraordinary stories. Coming from all over the world, the awarded projects are outstanding examples that reinforce our belief that peace, stability and prosperity around the world require harmony, dialogue and respect among peoples and cultures.
During this meeting today we will have the opportunity to hear from two previous IIA Alumni. They will speak about the impact of the Award on the development of their projects. Both the Alliance and the BMW Group remain committed to helping Awardees. An important goal of the IIA is to increase the impact of their projects and expand their range of action.
Let me take this occasion to express my gratitude to BMW Group and in particular Mr. Bill McAndrews, for its continued support, vision and strong partnership.
Thank you.