Published on July 2, 2014
Indonesia has been chosen to host the 6th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) which will take place from 29th to 30th August 2014, at the Nusa Dua Convention Center, on the wonderful island of Bali.
The Global Forum will bring together political leaders, representatives of international and regional bodies, the private sector, civil society groups, youth, the arts figures, and the media, as well as donor agencies and foundations in a collaborative mission to vigorously foster cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.
Carrying the theme “Unity in Diversity: Celebrating Diversity for Common and Shared Values”, the Forum will focus on strategic yet practical measures that generate and sustain common values and a shared sense of responsibility among all stakeholders, partners and constituencies toward the realization of the mandate and objectives of the Alliance.
The theme is based on Indonesia’s national motto of “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” which simply translated means: “Unity in Diversity”. The motto reflects the outlook of Indonesia‘s Founding Fathers which embraces the wealth of Indonesia’s cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity. Further, the concept of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika believes that diversity is not a liability nor a threat, but on the contrary it enriches, empowers and serves as the fountainhead for social strength.
The Sixth UNAOC’s Global Forum in Bali will be participated by 114 members of UNAOC’s Group of Friends (GoF), including 11 state leaders who have been invited by the President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, also 25 international organizations, and 100 members of international youth delegations.
The 11 state leaders who have been invited are from Spain, Turkey, Brazil, Qatar, Austria, Myanmar, The People’s Republic of China, India, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, and South Africa.
The UNAOC was first initiated by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on July 14, 2005, and co-sponsored by former Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The initiative seeks to galvanize international action against extremism through the forging of international, intercultural and interreligious dialogue and cooperation.
The first UNAOC’s Global Forum took place in Madrid, Spain, in 2008, and was held through a common consideration in condemning extremist actions, such as bomb attacks in Bali, Madrid, Egypt, Istanbul, and London.
More Information available at: www.unaoc6.or.id
