Putting Intercultural Dialogue at the Heart of the World’s Development Agenda

DOHA, Qatar and NEW YORK, September 21, 2011 -

- Qatar will host the 4^th International Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC): The Doha Forum will take place from December 11^th to 13^th

From December 11th to 13th, a powerful network of Heads of States, foreign ministers, young people, civil society organizations, business leaders and global media - more than 2000 in total - will convene in Doha to make United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) 4th international forum a turning point, taking into account the past and current achievements in Madrid, Istanbul and Rio De Janeiro.

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A turning point because of its particular format, as for the very first time in UNAOC’s existence, the Civil Society will actively contribute to the forum’s debates and outcomes (Doha Pre-Forum for Civil Society organized in May 2011 brought together 190 participants from 80 countries). A turning point also because at Doha, the UNAOC will anchor itself as the source of strong convictions and impactful actions that promote peace and development of societies through intercultural dialogue, evidenced by the Doha Forum’s baseline “Intercultural Dialogue to boost Development“.

Doha Forum, Intercultural Dialogue to Boost Development

 “All Forums (Madrid, Istanbul and Rio de Janeiro) of the Alliance have brought new perspectives and fresh thinking to the Alliance. All Forums have been a unique opportunity to engage in a global conversation on topical issues. All Forums have opened up new avenues for intercultural dialogue and cooperation. The same will happen with the Doha Forum and I am truly convinced that it will be a turning point for the Alliance in terms of raising its visibility, integrating it more into the global agenda and reinforcing commitments for action.” Says United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, President Jorge Sampaio.

This ambitious positioning will have the added benefit of increasing synergies between the UNAOC’s mission and the Millennium Development Goals, for which HH Sheikha Moza is a vocal supporter.

“By hosting the Fourth Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in Doha, our objective is to work closely with the UNAOC Secretary, the Member States and the Group of Friends to bring the achievement of the UNAOC and the Millenniums Development Goals together.” Says Dr Khalid Bin Mohamed Al-Attiyah, Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation.

Digital press release: multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/qcac/52122/

Video: multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/qcac/52122/

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