The Global Forum is the Alliance’s highest-profile event. It brings together decision-makers, experts, and a variety of stakeholders in the field of intercultural and interreligious dialogue from all over the world.
The primary mission of the UNAOC is to forge collective political will and to mobilise concerted action aimed at improving cross-cultural understanding and cooperation among countries, peoples, and communities. The Alliance develops its actions at both governmental and civil society levels. It also works to counter forces that fuel polarisation and extremism. The UNAOC’s particular focus is on improving relations within and between Western and Muslim societies and addressing persistent tensions and divides.
Respect and tolerance among human beings in the diversity of their beliefs, cultures, and languages are fundamental values at the core of the UNAOC. The Alliance aspires to the ideal of a culture of peace and dialogue, based on the conviction that “differences within and between societies be neither feared nor repressed, but cherished as a precious asset of humanity.”
The Alliance of Civilisations is a United Nations political initiative of the Secretary General. It was launched in 2005 by former Secretary General Kofi Annan, with co-sponsorship from the Prime Ministers of Spain and Turkey. Based on the recommendations of a High-Level Group in November 2006, Secretary General Ban Ki Moon appointed Jorge Sampaio, former president of Portugal, as his High Representative for the Alliance of Civilisations. Since May 2007, President Sampaio has been in charge of achieving the mission of the Alliance by developing a functional framework for action, setting an agenda, and building a network of stakeholders.
Hungary has been an active member of the UNAOC since its establishment. Foreign Minister Mr. János Martonyi has participated in the 2010, 2011 and 2012 ministerial meeting in New York.
In 2013, the Hungarian delegation is led by Mr. Szabolcs Takács, deputy state secretary for global affairs.
