Education & media key aspects of UN bid to bridge Islam and West by UN Alliance of Civilizations 1:25pm 15th Jun, 2007   14 June 2007    Education, the media, youth and migration are at the heart of a two-year plan to bridge the divide between Islam and the West that was presented today to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon by the United Nations envoy heading the global campaign on the issue, known as the “Alliance of Civilizations.”    Speaking to reporters in New York after his meeting with Mr. Ban, Jorge Sampaio, the UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, explained that the initiative is about “building bridges between societies, promoting dialogue and understanding, and forging collective political will to address the world’s imbalances, tensions and sources of conflict.” He said the Alliance will be focusing on four main fields of activity – education, youth, media and migration. “Teaching about other cultures and religions heightens students’ awareness of the beliefs and traditions that shape other people’s lives,” he said.    “Media consists of the most powerful means to promote knowledge about other cultures, understanding [and] mutual respect,” he noted, adding that migration is “a natural bridge between diverse communities.”    The plan presented today sets out a range of projects and initiatives which the Alliance will support and help develop over the next two years, including a media fund to promote productions developed across cultural, religious and/or national lines, a Youth Employment Centre aimed at increasing work opportunities for young people in the Middle East, and a project aimed at expanding international student exchange programmes, according to a press release issued by the Alliance.    In addition, the Alliance will establish a “rapid response media-based mechanism” to provide platforms for constructive debate during times of increased tensions around cross-cultural issues. It will also develop an “online clearinghouse” of best practices, materials and resources on cross-cultural dialogue and cooperation projects.    Mr. Sampaio also highlighted the establishment of a “Group of Friends” network – a growing community of over 50 States and international organizations that support its objectives – to foster partnerships and deepen cooperation on a range of initiatives across different regions.    He also drew attention to an international forum, to be held in Spain in January 2008, that will provide “a platform to forge partnerships, launch new initiatives and stimulate projects” by governments, civil society, donors and the private sector. The forum – set to become an annual event – will also evaluate efforts and determine future action.    In addition, a voluntary fund will support the Alliance’s work.    The Alliance of Civilizations was created in 2005 at the initiative of Spain and Turkey and under UN auspices to try to tackle fear and suspicion, bridge divides and overcome prejudices and polarizations between Islam and the West. In April, Mr. Ban appointed Mr. Sampaio, a former President of Portugal, as the first UN High Representative for the Alliance.    13 June 2007    UN General Assembly President stresses value of interfaith dialogue in securing peace.    Accepting an award for her work for peace and development, the President of the United Nations General Assembly has emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue in realizing these goals.    “Promoting a true dialogue among civilizations and religions is perhaps the most important political instrument that we can use to reach out across borders and build bridges of peace and hope,” said Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa on Tuesday evening upon receipt of the Path to Peace Foundation award.    “Together – no matter what our religious affiliations are,” she said, “we can work towards our common goals with love, compassion, humility and vision – and bring about real change.”    The President pointed out that religious values are critical to defusing violence, which in turn will help towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set of global antipoverty targets.    “Religious values can play an important role by advocating a culture of peace to counter intolerance,” she said. “They are also pivotal in promoting equal rights and prosperity for all."    Stating that climate change is “a moral issue about the preservation of the planet for future generations,” she said religious values can also make an important contribution to debate on the issue.    Sheikha Haya called on religious leaders to “motivate their followers to engage ‘others’ more reasonably and with greater mutual respect, while remaining true to their own beliefs.” Visit the related web page
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