PRESS RELEASE:
September 28, 2020
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and URI sign a partnership agreement to promote intercultural and interreligious dialogue
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and United Religions Initiative (URI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, reaffirming their commitment to promoting dialogue among people of different cultures and religions.
The agreement was signed by the High Representative for UNAOC, H. E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos and the Executive Director of URI, The Rev. Victor H. Kazanjian, Jr.
The agreement aims at developing joint programmes and outreach initiatives to strengthen mutual understanding, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation across and between societies.
In consideration of the correspondence of their respective missions, objectives and areas of work, UNAOC and URI will cooperate in the development and implementation of projects, which are in line with their respective mission, including but not limited to:
- Carrying out joint advocacy and capacity-building activities that support the promotion of a culture of peace, inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, human dignity, and mutual respect.
- Collaborating in the implementation of the United Nations Plan of Action for Safeguarding Religious Sites.
- Strengthening a culture of dialogue that enables diverse cultures and religions to contribute towards more peaceful and harmonious interreligious relationships.
UNAOC
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) was established in 2005 and maintains a global network of partners including states, international and regional organizations, civil society groups, foundations, and the private sector to improve cross-cultural relations between diverse nations and communities.
UNAOC is a unique and inclusive platform for Member States, the private sector, youth, civil society and the media to exchange views and commit to dialogue and new partnerships.
UNAOC, as an initiative of the United Nations, aims to build bridges between societies, promote dialogue and understanding, forge collective political will to address growing divisions between societies and restore mutual respect between peoples of different cultures, traditions and religions, inspiring them to mobilize behind concrete measures to achieve these goals. For more information on UNAOC, visit www.unaoc.org.
URI
URI is a global grassroots interfaith network that cultivates peace and justice by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities and the world. The purpose of URI is to promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, to end religiously-motivated violence, and to create cultures of peace, justice, and healing for the Earth and all living beings. URI has NGO consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN. URI is also an affiliate member of the Department of Global Communications of the United Nations, previously known as the Department of Public Information (DPI).
URI envisions a world at peace, sustained by engaged and interconnected communities committed to respect for diversity, nonviolent resolution of conflict, and social, political, economic, and environmental justice.
URI implements its mission through local and global initiatives that build the capacity of its 1,063 member groups and organizations in 109 countries, called Cooperation Circles, to engage in community action such as conflict resolution and reconciliation, environmental sustainability, education, women’s empowerment, youth and children’s programs, advocacy for human rights, and promoting a culture of peace and interfaith harmony. For more information on URI, visit www.uri.org.
May Peace Prevail on Earth.