UNAOC High Representative’s Remarks at the Fellowship Alumni Event
December 6, 2017
Delivered by UNAOC Director Matthew Hodes
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies & Gentlemen,
It is a pleasure for me to be with you today to introduce you to some of our UNAOC Fellowship Alumni.
Created seven years ago to combat cultural stereotypes, the Fellowship Programme seeks to foster cooperation between young professionals from different cultures and faiths. I take this occasion to thank again the Federal Foreign Office of Germany for its financial support to the programme since 2012.
Joining us today Alumni from sixteen countries in the MENA region, Europe, and North America. All of them took part in the Fellowship Programme and learned crucial lessons about cultural diversity and mutual respect.
In the 2017 edition of the program, we decided to focus on the role of media and civil society in combatting hatred and fostering inclusion. Our Fellows were selected for their achievements in these fields.
Together they travelled to the United Sates, Germany, France, Spain, Morocco, Egypt, and Qatar. Throughout their journey, they met with media experts, civil society leaders, journalists, politicians, and religious figures.
They exchanged ideas and brought home good practices on how to fight hatred and how to promote tolerance across cultures and religions.
We are proud of the impact the Programme is having on tomorrow’s leaders, proud to expose them to the world’s diversity, proud to help them harness the power of intercultural dialogue and understanding. You will hear from them in person shortly as they tell you about their experience with the program.
Let us continue to support young people’s involvement in shaping lasting peace.
I thank you.