United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

Discover the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC): A leading UN platform promoting intercultural dialogue, understanding, and cooperation to reduce polarization, counter extremism, and build inclusive societies where diversity is an asset.

Table of Contents

In an increasingly polarized world, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) stands as a beacon of hope for fostering understanding across cultures and religions. Established to bridge divides and counter extremism, UNAOC plays a vital role in promoting intercultural dialogue, reducing tensions, and building inclusive societies. As we mark its 20th anniversary in 2025, this UN initiative continues to address pressing global challenges like hate speech, polarization, and conflict.

Who We Are - United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

What is the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations?

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is a UN political initiative launched to improve cross-cultural understanding and cooperation among nations and peoples. It focuses on defusing tensions, particularly between Western and Islamic societies, while galvanizing international action against extremism through dialogue and partnerships.

UNAOC aims to:

Reduce polarization at local and global levels
Promote inclusive societies where diversity is an asset
Counter forces fueling hatred, intolerance, and violence

Headquartered in New York, UNAOC works with governments, civil society, youth, media, and private sector partners to forge collective political will for peace.

History of UNAOC: From Proposal to Global Platform

The origins of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations trace back to 2004, when Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero proposed the idea at the 59th UN General Assembly. Co-sponsored by Turkey, it was formally launched in 2005 under then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

A High-Level Group of eminent experts analyzed roots of polarization and recommended practical actions. Over the years, UNAOC has evolved into a key UN entity, affirmed by General Assembly resolutions in 2009 and 2015.

In 2019, H.E. Miguel Ángel Moratinos became the current High Representative, succeeding predecessors like Jorge Sampaio and Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser. Under his leadership, UNAOC has expanded efforts amid rising global tensions.

High Representative’s Remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 9th UNAOC Global Forum in Fez, Kingdom of Morocco | UNAOC

Key Initiatives and Programs of UNAOC

UNAOC’s work centers on four pillars: education, youth, media, and migration. It also emphasizes women as peace mediators and counters antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate.

Notable programs include:

Global Forums: Flagship events bringing together leaders, faith actors, youth, and civil society. The 10th Forum in Cascais, Portugal (2024), reflected on two decades of dialogue. The 11th Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (December 2025), focused on reclaiming peace as a priority amid geopolitical divides.
Intercultural Innovation Hub: In partnership with BMW Group and Accenture, supports grassroots projects promoting diversity, gender equality, and social change.
Youth Programs: Initiatives like PLURAL+ video festival and youth solidarity funds empower young people to combat intolerance.
Media and Migration Efforts: Training journalists and promoting inclusive narratives on migration.

Recent actions include the Sarajevo Call for Peace (October 2025) and plans to counter antisemitism across the UN system.

Why UNAOC Matters in 2025: Addressing Current Global Challenges

In 2025, with ongoing conflicts in regions like Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, plus spikes in hate speech and online extremism, UNAOC’s mission is more relevant than ever. High Representative Moratinos has urged youth to prioritize peace, warning against surrendering human values to technology without ethical guidance.

At the Riyadh Forum, participants highlighted principles like India’s Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world as one family) and called for multi-stakeholder partnerships to restore trust.

UNAOC serves as a safe space for dialogue, uniting diverse voices to reshape a multipolar world toward mutual respect.

Conclusion

The United Nations Alliance of Civilisations demonstrates that dialogue can overcome division. By promoting intercultural understanding, UNAOC helps build a world where “many cultures, one humanity” is a reality.

For more information, visit the official website at unaoc.org or follow updates on global forums and initiatives.