UNAOC, BMW Group Host The Second Capacity-Building Workshop for The Recipients of the Intercultural Innovation Hub in Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico, 13 April 2023 – The second capacity-building workshop for the current edition of the Intercultural Innovation Hub (IIH) took place in Mexico City, Mexico from April 1st to 6th, 2023. Hosted by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and BMW Group, with the support of Accenture, the workshop addressed key topics such as effective storytelling, strengthening the self, enhancing group collaboration, future-proofing the organization, and responsible leadership.

The workshop focused on the ten global grassroots initiatives which were honored in November 2021 during an event held at the German Pavilion of Dubai EXPO 2020, within the margins of the thematic week on Tolerance and Inclusivity. Since their selection, representatives from Brazil, Canada, Egypt, France, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and UK/Switzerland participated in various training sessions with the aim to bolster the capacities of their respective organizations and improve the long-term impact of their projects, allowing them to sustainably expand and replicate their initiatives in other contexts.

As part of the workshop, participants had the opportunity to visit La Cana, one of the recipient organizations based in Mexico City, and witness first-hand the impact of their work focused on creating fair employment and providing training for incarcerated women, with the objective to promote social reintegration and reduce recidivism and crime in the country.

Additionally, participants had the opportunity to meet with BMW Group Board Member Ms. Ilka Horstmeier, along with a delegation of BMW Group and Accenture managers based in Mexico City and Latin America. During the meeting, the recipients shared their achievements and progress since their selection.

“With the Intercultural Innovation Hub, we promote organizations and entrepreneurs in their outstanding social commitment,” said Ms.Horstmeier during an interactive discussion. “Because we are convinced: Leadership of today is not about being the best in the world, it’s about being the best for the world”.

The training in Mexico City is part of a year-long tailor-made comprehensive support package provided to IIH recipients. Prior to Mexico, the recipients attended the first capacity-building workshop in Munich where they focused on the topics of organizational development strategy, effective storytelling and the use of social media.

The initiative, which was established in 2011, is a prime example of the essential role that corporate social responsibility plays within the framework of the United Nations. UNAOC and the BMW Group, with the support of Accenture, jointly mobilize their resources, time, and networks to support the IIH recipients. As each partner contributes their unique knowledge to ensure the long-term success of each project, this partnership approach has proven to achieve greater impact.

For more information about the Intercultural Innovation Hub, please visit its website www.interculturalinnovation.org.