United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
Why in news?
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) recently held its 11th Global Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 14-15, 2025, marking its 20th anniversary. The event focused on advancing dialogue in a multipolar world amid rising divisions, extremism, and intolerance.
Key Outcomes
- The Riyadh Declaration charts UNAOC's future, including new 2026 partnerships and a 2027-2031 action plan targeting AI disinformation, migration, hate speech, and peace initiatives like the "Alliance for Peace."
- The stressed was on preventive diplomacy and combating discrimination based on faith or ethnicity.​
- India reaffirmed its "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" ethos of global harmony at the event.
- While countries like Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan announced partnerships, including joint projects on cultural tolerance.​
About UNAOC
- The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) promotes intercultural and interreligious dialogue to counter extremism and polarization.
- Launched in 2005, it emphasizes mutual respect between cultures, particularly bridging divides between Western and Islamic societies.​
Objectives
- Secretariat based in New York, USA, UNAOC galvanizes action against extremism through inclusive societies where diversity strengthens cohesion.
- It addresses polarization via practical programs in key areas, fostering global cooperation on shared challenges like security and development.​
Focus Areas
- Youth: Engages young leaders through forums, Dialogue Cafés, and global movements.
- Education: Promotes curricula on tolerance and cultural understanding.
- Media: Counters hate speech and builds narratives of unity.
- Migration: Supports integration and reduces xenophobia.
- Women as Peacemakers: Empowers women in conflict resolution.​
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