United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Focal Points Meeting - Part 2

Session 2 “United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Programmes and Initiatives: Presentation on the Progress and Impact”

• Categories: Meetings & Events / Side Events
• Video Length: 02:20:58
• Production Date: 15 January 2016
• Asset Language: Arabic; Chinese; English; French; Russian; Spanish
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS - UNAOC
• Subject Topical: EDUCATION; MEDIA; MIGRATION; YOUTH
• MAMS Id: 1548718
• Parent Id: 1547575

Description

Through its programmes and initiatives UNAOC acts as a premier global platform for
intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation. It develops its actions at both
governmental and civil society levels to overcome prejudice, misperceptions and polarization
and to counter forces that fuel polarization and extremism.

The aim of this session is to inform on the progress and impact of the programmes
implemented by UNAOC. The main initiatives, which will be briefly presented by UNAOC
staff, impact people of all ages and backgrounds from around the world. They facilitate the
global conversation on challenges and opportunities of diversity, promote changes in policy
frameworks, prevent intercultural tensions and conflicts, support grass-roots initiatives and
raise awareness and mobilize public support for tolerance and inclusion.

While acting on a number of cross-cutting issues, UNAOC boosts programming in the areas
of education, youth, migration and media in a multi-disciplinary and multi-perspective
approach:

Education – Through its initiatives, UNAOC builds knowledge about diverse cultures
and enhances understanding across cultures and religions, promotes intercultural
dialogue and the development of intercultural competence.

Media – UNAOC activities in this area are grounded in the philosophy that media and
social-media have a critical role to play in increasing public understanding of conflicts
and issues that polarize communities. Through a series of projects, the programme aims
at addressing the issues of hate speech and helping journalists to bridge cultural and
religious divides and develop a more nuanced perception about diversity.

Migration – UNAOC initiatives in this area are based on the notion that migration and
mobility shape our diverse societies. They bring potential for development and
innovation, but also create new challenges that need to be addressed in order to build
inclusive and tolerant societies. The way in which this dynamic is portrayed in the
media and discussed by political leaders determines whether populations view increased
diversity as a source of strength or as a threat.

Youth – UNAOC acknowledges that young people are key agents for social change,
economic growth, development and innovation and invests in outstanding youth leaders
and initiatives that promote intercultural understanding and positive social action.
Financial and technical support is offered through various programs for grass-root work
that contributes to the development of peaceful and inclusive societies.