400 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 400 youth from over 100 countries took part in the Forum. On December 10, during the Youth Preparatory Event, this diverse group of 400 young leaders met to debate key aspects of cross-cultural and interreligious understanding.
The main outcome of the 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 achievement of young people in bridging cultural divides. These recommendations were presented on December 11, during a plenary with an audience of world leaders and other forum participants.
These 400 young leader represent 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. Travelling from as far afield as Senegal, Zimbabwe, Fiji, Kyrgyzstan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Tunisia, Yemen, Ecuador, they will contribute to the discussion at the Doha Forum through their own unique experience, expertise and thoughts on the various themes to be 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”.
The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon came to congratulate “the young leaders of today and tomorrow”, for their efforts to advance the objectives of the Alliance of Civilizations. He underlined the “necessity to fight over religious and cultural differences in this unique moment we are living.” He also added that “no nations can be on its own to face humanity’s challenges”.
Eventually, as a leading advocate of youth empowerment, Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser started by designating the audience as “the true model of the Alliance”. Then, she encouraged them to “seize the opportunities of the Forum to start fresh, revisit history, speak out and redesign their future by creating a right environment to be flourished through education and knowledge”.
The youth event is an integral part of the UN Alliance of Civilizations Forum and 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 event was organized in collaboration with the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, the International Youth Council and the World in Conversation Project.
Youth Event at UNAOC Doha Forum
400 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 400 youth from over 100 countries took part in the Forum. On December 10, during the Youth Preparatory Event, this diverse group of 400 young leaders met to debate key aspects of cross-cultural and interreligious understanding.
The main outcome of the 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 achievement of young people in bridging cultural divides. These recommendations were presented on December 11, during a plenary with an audience of world leaders and other forum participants.
These 400 young leader represent 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. Travelling from as far afield as Senegal, Zimbabwe, Fiji, Kyrgyzstan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Tunisia, Yemen, Ecuador, they will contribute to the discussion at the Doha Forum through their own unique experience, expertise and thoughts on the various themes to be 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”.
The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon came to congratulate “the young leaders of today and tomorrow”, for their efforts to advance the objectives of the Alliance of Civilizations. He underlined the “necessity to fight over religious and cultural differences in this unique moment we are living.” He also added that “no nations can be on its own to face humanity’s challenges”.
Eventually, as a leading advocate of youth empowerment, Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser started by designating the audience as “the true model of the Alliance”. Then, she encouraged them to “seize the opportunities of the Forum to start fresh, revisit history, speak out and redesign their future by creating a right environment to be flourished through education and knowledge”.
The youth event is an integral part of the UN Alliance of Civilizations Forum and 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 event was organized in collaboration with the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, the International Youth Council and the World in Conversation Project.