On December 14 and 15, the Saudi capital will host the Alliance’s 11th Global Forum congress bringing together governments, civil society, youth leaders, women peacebuilders and voices from the media.
The theme:
UNAOC: Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity – Advancing a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding in a Multipolar World.
Why should you care?
Across continents, intolerance and xenophobia are on the rise. Cultural and religious differences are used to justify violence and exclusion. Hate speech – particularly online – is increasing, reinforcing distrust and eroding social cohesion.
In this climate, UNAOC’s mission – to promote mutual respect and understanding across cultures and religions – has never been more urgent.
Why was UNAOC created?
The Alliance was born in the shadow of tragedy. After the September 11 attacks in the United States and subsequent bombings in Bali, Madrid, London and Istanbul, Spain and Turkey co-sponsored an initiative aimed at bridging divisions.
Launched in 2005 by Kofi Annan, then Secretary-General of the UN, UNAOC aimed to prevent conflicts based on identity and to make diversity a source of strength and not a pretext for violence.
What is the Alliance doing?
Guided by the motto “Many Cultures”. One Humanity’, UNAOC has become a leading United Nations platform for intercultural dialogue. Her work covers youth engagement, education, media literacy, migration and tackling hate speech.
From empowering women as mediators of peace to harnessing the unifying power of sport and art, the Alliance has launched projects that challenge stereotypes, prevent extremism and promote inclusion. Its alumni network now includes hundreds of peacebuilders making a difference around the world.
What is happening in Riyadh?
The Forum will include:
A high-level meeting of the Group of Friends of UNAOC, now 161 members strong.
The Youth Forum, highlighting alumni who have led change in their communities.
Thematic sessions on pressing issues: AI-driven misinformation, women on the frontlines of peace, migration and human dignity, and combating hate speech.
PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival, celebrating creative voices fighting xenophobia and promoting diversity.
What is the expected result?
The Forum is expected to adopt the Riyadh Declaration, opening the next chapter of the UNAOC. New partnerships and agreements for 2026 and beyond will be announced, as well as proposed recommendations feeding into the Alliance’s 2027-2031 Action Plan.
Twenty years later, UNAOC’s message is clear: dialogue is not a luxury: it is a lifeline for humanity in an increasingly fragmented world.
Here’s how to follow the Forum:
The UN media team will cover the Forum in Riyadh.
UN News will be in Riyadh to cover the meeting and provide stories and interviews.
Live and on-demand broadcasts will be available on WebTV.
Broadcast-quality video packages and stories will be available on UNifeed.
source link eu news
