The 7th Global Forum of the United Nations of Civilizations (UNAOC), which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, April 25-27, will focus on Living Together in Inclusive Societies: A Challenge and A Goal and its relevance for preventing violent extremism, creating peace and enhancing sustainable development.
“UNAOC will focus on Inclusive Societies as it reflects UN key priorities”, says UNAOC High Representative Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser. “The Forum will represent the incredible opportunity to harness multiple perspectives of about 2,500 participating actors and to determine innovative solutions to advance the international agenda.”
The Forum’s themes and sub-themes reflect the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which incorporates the promotion of inclusive societies as pivotal component for sustainable development, and the creation of justice, peace, and security.
The Forum will trigger discussions and exchanges on matters related to building inclusive societies, such as the role and significance of religious leaders; women; sports; youth and education. The Forum will also intensively discuss the role, responsibility and opportunity for media to enhance social inclusion by countering stereotyping and hate speech.
“We are faced with one of the starkest humanitarian crisis that the world has ever seen caused by wars, regional instabilities, and violent extremism”, says Al-Nasser. “As a world community we can no longer afford to disregard our joint responsibility to facilitate inclusive, peaceful, and just societies. The Forum will be the unique opportunity to find common ground in our humanity and to define practical and effective solutions and global partnerships.”