UNOG - United Nations Office at Geneva
UNOG - United Nations Office at Geneva
12/11/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 12/11/2025 23:19
Can dialogue heal a fractured world? A UN-led alliance is making the case
As 2025 draws to a close, geopolitical divides are deepening - North and South, East and West. Against this backdrop, the UN Alliance of Civilizations marks two decades of bridging divides as its Riyadh Forum takes on intolerance, hate speech, and the fight for mutual respect in a multipolar world.
On 14-15 December, the Suadi capital will host the Alliance's 11th Global Forum, bringing together governments, civil society, youth leaders, women peacebuilders, and media voices.
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 being weaponized to justify violence and exclusion. Hate speech - especially online - is surging, deepening mistrust and eroding social cohesion.
In this climate, UNAOC's mission - promoting mutual respect and understanding among cultures and religions - has never been more urgent.
Why was UNAOC created?
The Alliance was born in the shadow of tragedy. After the 9/11 attacks in the United States and subsequent bombings in Bali, Madrid, London, and Istanbul, Spain and Türkiye co-sponsored an initiative to bridge divides.
Launched in 2005 by then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, UNAOC set out to prevent identity-based conflicts and turn diversity into a source of strength, not a pretext for violence.
What does the Alliance do?
Guided by the motto 'Many Cultures. One Humanity,' UNAOC has grown into a leading UN platform for intercultural dialogue. Its work spans youth engagement, education, media literacy, migration, and countering hate speech.
From empowering women as peace mediators 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 worldwide.
What's happening in Riyadh?
The Forum will feature:
- A high-level meeting of the UNAOC Group of Friends, now 161 members strong.
- The Youth Forum, spotlighting alumni who have driven change in their communities.
- Thematic sessions on urgent issues: AI-driven disinformation, women at the frontlines of peace, migration and human dignity, and combating hate speech.
- PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival, celebrating creative voices countering xenophobia and promoting diversity.
What's the expected outcome?
The Forum is expected to adopt the Riyadh Declaration, charting UNAOC's next chapter. New partnerships and agreements for 2026 and beyond will be announced, alongside proposed recommendations feeding into the Alliance's 2027-2031 Plan of Action.
Twenty years on, UNAOC's message is clear: dialogue is not a luxury - it's lifeline for humanity in an increasingly fragmented world.
Here's how to follow the Forum:
The UN media team will be covering 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.
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