Our Words of Wisdom
“I don't need to say anything about the 'war on terror'‚ except that there is a danger that a fighting fire with fire policy also impacts young people, through reactionary and disciplinary youth policy based on a deficit model, and influences them, in that their role model of leadership is a bellicose one.”
– Youth Officer, Development Education Association, United Kingdom
Photo: UN Photo Library
470 young leaders from over 100 countries at UNAOC Forum in Doha
The Fourth Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations took place in Doha, Qatar, from December 10 to December 13, 2011. This forum brought together over 2,500 participants, including political and corporate leaders, civil society activists, youth organizations, faith communities, research centers, foundations and journalists, came together to agree on joint actions to improve relations across cultures, combat prejudice and build lasting peace.
The main objective of the Forum is to provide a platform for leaders such as heads of states, members of the media, representatives from NGOs, as well as multilateral, civil society and youth organizations, etc. to meet and have constructive discussions on the priorities of the UNAOC, i.e. intercultural dialogue and understanding and promotion of peaceful coexistence.
A total of 470 youth from over 100 countries took part in the Forum. On December 10, during the Youth Preparatory Event, this diverse group of young leaders met to debate the main theme of the Forum as well as their role in achieving the Alliance’s objectives.
The main outcome of these preparatory discussions was the drafting of Youth Recommendations to world leaders on specific policies that affect the lives of young people, and on ways to enhance and build on the achievements of young people in bridging cultural divides. These recommendations were presented on December 11, during the Forum’s opening plenary.
These 470 young leaders represented a variety of youth-led organization such as national youth councils, NGOs, youth networks and youth media that are active in their communities and are committed to the UNAOC principle. Traveling from as far as Senegal, Zimbabwe, Fiji, Kyrgyzstan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Tunisia, Yemen, Ecuador and Canada, youth also contributed to the discussions during the Forum itself through their own unique experience, expertise and thoughts on the various themes discussed.
His Excellency Dr. Jorge Sampaio, United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations first addressed the audience: “We have all witnessed a turning point that will forever change the way that young people shape their societies. You are finding new ways to ensure that your desires and efforts to achieve positive social change are recognized. Your presence here is a sign of that and I can very much appreciate this, including from a personal point of view”.
Other outcomes of the Youth Preparatory Event include an on-line youth campaign calling on political leaders, decision-makers and citizens to speak out against fear, intolerance and xenophobia, as well as the organization of an online forum on the links between diversity and sustainable development with youth, Professor Jeffrey Sachs and his colleagues at the Earth Institute.
The Youth Preparatory Event is an integral part of the UN Alliance of Civilizations Forum and is a vital opportunity for youth to meet and interact with decision-makers from various fields, including politics, civil society, media and religious institutions. The Doha Youth Preparatory Event was organized in collaboration with the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation and its International Youth Council as well as the World in Conversation Project.