Remarks by
H.E. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
Doha Forum – May 22, 2016
Plenary 1:
International and regional status quo and the means to meet the challenges
At the outset, I would like to say I am very honored to be addressing this important forum in my international capacity in my hometown Doha.
I am also honored to be among this group of distinguished speakers with whom I have crossed paths throughout my diplomatic career.
When we think about the security status quo in our world today, violent extremism, terrorist attacks and radicalization come as startling reminders of the serious threat they pose to international peace and security as well as the widening gap, lack of understanding, and fear within and among societies as well between nations. Extremists and terrorist groups are disguised behind religion to incite hatred and discord within all societies, indiscriminately. These groups challenge the values enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
What should we do as international community? And how does the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations contribute to this effort? As the High-level Group defined our purpose 10 years ago, the Alliance is the soft power tool established to contribute to a more peaceful world by countering radicalization and polarization, by encouraging greater intercultural understanding and engaging in projects and programs that advance these goals.
This past month, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations organized its 7th Global Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan and the main theme was: Living together in Inclusive Societies: A Challenge and A Goal. Participants coming from all walks of life agreed that Sustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security; at the same time, peace and security will be at risk without sustainable development.
Inclusive societies provide avenues for political, social and economic inclusion. They guarantee social and human rights, access to opportunities and employment. By doing these things they reduce the risks of violent extremism and terrorism.
Rising disparities of wealth and opportunities within societies lead to marginalization and exclusion. Gender inequality, unemployment, and particularly youth unemployment, fuel radicalization and push people towards violent extremism.
Many years of experience have proven that heavy-handed approaches and a single-minded focus only on security measures have failed. We know that extremism and terrorism flourish when human rights are violated and aspirations for inclusion ignored.
We must pay particular attention to addressing the causes or drivers of violent extremism and we are prepared to do our part. To do so effectively requires a genuine partnership between the international community, civil society, religious leaders, and international and regional organizations. As the UN Secretary General put it, we should have a ONE UN approach.
Thank you and I will be pleased to engage in the discussion on that subject.