United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) UNAOC reserves the right to delete or edit any comments that it considers inappropriate.
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UNAOC is a United Nations platform that builds bridges between societies, promotes dialogue and understanding, and seeks to forge the collective political will required to accomplish these tasks. The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is an initiative of the UN Secretary-General which aims to improve understanding and cooperative relations among nations and peoples across cultures an

d religions, and to help counter the forces that fuel polarization and extremism. Disclaimer: UNAOC does not guarantee the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of any comments posted to its social media outlets (blogs, social networks, message boards/forums, etc.). Users must not post any content that is obscene, defamatory, profane, libelous, threatening, harassing, abusive, hateful or embarrassing to any person or entity.

🥳 On this International Youth Day, we celebrate the vital role of young people in advancing intercultural and interrelig...
08/12/2026

🥳 On this International Youth Day, we celebrate the vital role of young people in advancing intercultural and interreligious dialogue, fostering mutual respect, and building more peaceful and inclusive societies.

🤝 As one of UNAOC’s core pillars, youth engagement is embedded across our programmes and initiatives. From the UNAOC Youth Solidarity Fund and Young Peacebuilders programme, to the PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival and News Generation Against Hate, and across other initatives, UNAOC seeks to ensure that young people are not merely invited into established spaces for dialogue, but are empowered to shape them.

🌐 This commitment was reflected throughout the events in Gernika, Sarajevo and Luanda, where youth voices enriched discussions on dialogue, conflict prevention and community resilience. It was further reinforced at the successful Youth Forum held during the 11th UNAOC Global Forum in Riyadh, where young leaders and UNAOC alumni shared community-rooted solutions and demonstrated that peacebuilding is already taking place in classrooms and neighbourhoods, through storytelling and sport, and across digital and cultural spaces. 🕊️

🎙️ In his message marking , USG Miguel Ángel Moratinos emphasized, “Today and every day, UNAOC reaffirms its commitment to listening to, investing in, and empowering young people. They are indispensable to our shared pursuit of peace, not only as leaders of tomorrow, but, more importantly, as the bridge-builders, innovators and agents of change our world needs today.”

🔗 Read his full message 👉 https://www.unaoc.org/2026/08/message-international-youth-day/

🗞️ UNAOC summer roundup. ⬇️✅ In case you missed them, catch up with volumes 57 and 58 of UNAOC News Flash, featuring hig...
08/11/2026

🗞️ UNAOC summer roundup. ⬇️

✅ In case you missed them, catch up with volumes 57 and 58 of UNAOC News Flash, featuring highlights from June and July 2026.

🌐 USG Miguel Ángel Moratinos' official visit to Pakistan (29–30 June)

🤝 High-level event marking the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations (10 June)

🕊️ The third edition of “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars, and Respect for International Law” in Luanda, Angola (16–17 July)

🤝 The UN–OIC and UN–LAS General Cooperation Meetings in Geneva, with the participation of the UNAOC Director, Ms. Nihal Saad (22–24 July, 27–29 July)

🖥️ Launch of the Online Course on Understanding and Combating Antisemitism developed by UNAOC and

🎮 Launch of “War Is Not a Game” campaign by UNAOC

🕊️ A new edition of the UNAOC Young Peacebuilders programme

🎙️ Global conferences, meetings, project milestones, programming updates, and more!

▶️ Check out the June edition: https://www.unaoc.org/2026/06/newsflash57-june-2026/

▶️ Check out the July edition: https://www.unaoc.org/2026/07/newsflash57-july-2026/

🎮 From virtual battlefields to gamified violence, war has been transformed into entertainment. But real wars are not ga...
07/22/2026

🎮 From virtual battlefields to gamified violence, war has been transformed into entertainment. But real wars are not games. They have real victims, real suffering, and lasting consequences.

🕹️ calls on creators, players, and gaming communities to imagine how digital games can become a force for empathy, dialogue, and peace.

🤝 What we play shapes the world we live in. Help us amplify a new way to play — one that inspires mutual respect, understanding, and compassion. 🕊️

📺 Watch the video 👉 https://youtu.be/YuqTfj2PXAM

07/21/2026

🏀 The Sport for Basketball Match brought the 3️⃣rd edition of “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars, and Respect for International Law” to a fitting close in Luanda, Angola. 🕊️

🤝 Young Angolan athletes showed that sport is . On the court, they embodied the values of respect, teamwork, fairness, and trust — demonstrating how sport can foster dialogue, inclusion, and mutual understanding.

🎙️ The event was opened by H.E. Dr. Rui Luís Falcão Pinto de Andrade, Angola’s Minister of Youth and Sports; H.E. Dr. Dionísio Manuel da Fonseca, Minister of State and Chief of Staff to the President of Angola; and Under-Secretary-General Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for UNAOC, who underscored their shared commitment to empowering youth through sport as a force for peace.

🕊️Closing the 3️⃣rd edition of “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars, & Respect for International Law” — held in Luanda, An...
07/21/2026

🕊️Closing the 3️⃣rd edition of “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars, & Respect for International Law” — held in Luanda, Angola — Under-Secretary-General Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for UNAOC, and H.E. Mr. Dionísio Manuel da Fonseca, Minister of State and Chief of Staff to the President of the Angola, underscored the importance of the global call for dialogue and inclusive peacebuilding.

The High Representative also presented the Luanda Joint Statement, “a renewed call to end wars, restore trust, and uphold respect for international law…so that humanity can advance in unity, dignity, justice and peace.”

🔗Luanda Joint Statement: https://www.unaoc.org/2026/07/luanda-joint-statement/

🕊️ DAY 2 ▶️ Thematic Session 4 | ✅ Contemporary Conflict Dynamics: Addressing the Impact of Mercenary Activities on Peac...
07/20/2026

🕊️ DAY 2 ▶️ Thematic Session 4 | ✅ Contemporary Conflict Dynamics: Addressing the Impact of Mercenary Activities on Peace, Security and Social Cohesion

At , panelists examined the current dynamics of mercenary activities and their impact on peace, security, and social cohesion, with particular focus on the African context. Speakers addressed challenges, including gaps in international legal frameworks, and discussed practical steps to strengthen multilateral cooperation, accountability, and conflict prevention.

🎙️H.E. Mr. Francisco José da Cruz, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Angola to the United Nations
🎙️H.E. Mr. Miguel César Domingos Bembe, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to Ethiopia, Permanent Representative to the African Union
🎙️H.E. Mr. Eustáquio Quibato, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to the Republic of Guinea
🎙️Mr. Agostinho Costa, Major-General
🎙️​Dr. Vasu Gounden, Founder and Executive Director of the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD)
🎙️Prof. Michel André, Director, Polytechnic University of Catalonia
🎙️Moderator: Mr. Amílcar Xavier, TPA l journalist

🕊️ DAY 2 ▶️ Thematic Session 3 | ✅ Women Mediators at the Frontlines of Peace: Strengthening Inclusive Approaches to Dia...
07/20/2026

🕊️ DAY 2 ▶️ Thematic Session 3 | ✅ Women Mediators at the Frontlines of Peace: Strengthening Inclusive Approaches to Dialogue

At , speakers discussed how women are driving peace efforts worldwide.

H.E. Ms. Catherine Sanza Pamba, former President of the Central African Republic 🇨🇫, kicked off the discussion, stressing, “Peace is not decreed. Peace is built, and it is built with women.”

“Women are the first mediators. They are the first peacemakers. We should recognize that women's participation is not a symbolic option. It is a strategic need. We should remove the structural obstacles that impede women from occupying decision-making positions,” she said.

Other distinguished speakers included:

🎙️H.E. Ms. Bouaré Bintou Founé Samaké, President of WILDAF-Mali (Women in Law and Development in Africa); Minister for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family of Mali (2020-2021)
🎙️Dr. Beatriz Hupa, Secretary General for the Biblical Society, Republic of Angola
🎙️Ms. Rafaela Andrade, Executive Director of CIVIS Organization, UNAOC alumna, Young Women Peacebuilders Initiative participant
🎙️Ms. Lynda Nkechi Emmanuel, Peacebuilding and Gender Expert, UNAOC alumna, Young Women Peacebuilders Initiative participant
🎙️Ms. Tinomuda Daphne Gora, Governance & Gender Fellow (AfYWL) at UNDP Zambia, UNAOC alumna, Global Sport Programme participant
🎙️Moderator: Mr. Alessandro Girola, Chief, Programming and Projects Unit at UNAOC

🕊️ DAY 2 ▶️ Thematic Session 2 | ✅ Youth as Partners in Prevention: Building a Culture of Peace for Future GenerationsYo...
07/20/2026

🕊️ DAY 2 ▶️ Thematic Session 2 | ✅ Youth as Partners in Prevention: Building a Culture of Peace for Future Generations

Young people are not only tomorrow’s leaders—they are partners in peace today. At , speakers delved into youth engagement, leadership, and conflict prevention.

🎙️Dr. Elizandra Janete Gourgel Wassuca, Politician, Social Leader, and Athlete. Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Angola
🎙️Dr. Osvaldo Isata, Political Scientist and Researcher, Specialist in Geopolitics, International Relations and Foreign Policy
🎙️Mr. Sicelo Christopher Gama, Financial Planner and Peacebuilding Practitioner, UNAOC alumnus, Youth Solidarity Fund recipient
🎙️Ms. Nthabiseng Annah Modjadji, Co-founder and Programme Manager of Breaking Down Borders Africa Initiative, UNAOC alumna, Youth Solidarity Fund recipient
🎙️Mr. Gift Chansa, Founder and Artistic Director of Circus Zambia, UNAOC alumnus, Intercultural Innovation Hub recipient
🎙️Ms. Laone Tiny Desert, Executive Director of Young Minds Africa, UNAOC alumna, Intercultural Innovation Hub recipient
🎙️Ms. Rosiana Alberto, Judoka, Angola's Young Athlete of the Year 2025
🎙️Ms. Wevyn Muganda, Founder of Arctive Citizens and Field2Donor, UNESCO alumna
🎙️Moderator: Ms. Dana Podmolikova, Programme Management Specialist - Youth at UNAOC

🕊️ DAY 2 ▶️ Thematic Session 1 | ✅ The Role of Religious and Faith Leaders in Promoting Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistenc...
07/20/2026

🕊️ DAY 2 ▶️ Thematic Session 1 | ✅ The Role of Religious and Faith Leaders in Promoting Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence

At Thematic Session 2, speakers highlighted the role of interfaith collaboration in preventing conflict and advancing reconciliation—highlighting how religious leaders & faith actors can support peace education, community dialogue & humanitarian principles.

Moderated by Under-Secretary-General l Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for UNAOC, the session featured distinguished speakers, including:

🎙️ H.E. Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Nigeria
🎙️ H.E. Mr. Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Luanda, Republic of Angola
🎙️ Rev. Fr. Bonaventura Benjamin Mwenda, M.Afr., Official of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Section for Islam in Africa and Traditional Religions
🎙️ Rev. Vladimir Agostinho, Secretary General of the Conselho de Igrejas Cristãs em Angola - CICA
🎙️ Mr. Mussie Hailu Gebretsadik, Ambassador, Regional Director of United Religions Initiative-Africa and Representative to the African Union and UN office in Africa
🎙️ Fr. Celestino Epalanga, Secretary General for Justice and Peace Commission of the Angolan Bishops’ Conference
🎙️ Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, Co-Director, Interfaith Mediation Center, Inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize recipient 2025
🎙️ Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye, Co-Director, Interfaith Mediation Centre, Inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize recipient 2025

🕊️ DAY 2 ▶️ From dialogue to action | Day 2️⃣of the 3️⃣rd edition of “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars, & Respect for ...
07/20/2026

🕊️ DAY 2 ▶️ From dialogue to action |

Day 2️⃣of the 3️⃣rd edition of “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars, & Respect for International Law” — held in Luanda, Angola — featured interactive discussions exploring pathways toward peace, featuring voices of religious actors, youth leaders, women mediators, and key stakeholders.

Opening the event, Under-Secretary-General l Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for UNAOC, underscored the vital role of religious leaders, women, and youth in building a peaceful future: “Peace is everybody’s business. Each one of us has a role.”

H.E. Amb. Téte António, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola ( Ministério das Relações Exteriores / MIREX) 🇦🇴, emphasized that peace requires collective responsibility: “Peace is not limited to the absence of war. Peace is built on a day-to-day basis through dialogue, mutual trust, inclusion, respect for human rights.”

His Virtue Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslim’s Board and Co-Chair of the Interreligious Council, expressed gratitude to UNAOC for amplifying the voices of religious leaders and faith actors, stating, “We, religious leaders, thanks to UNAOC, can make our own contributions to the cause of establishing a world that is more secure, more resilient upon deep spiritual pillars, and more just.”

Mr. José María Gorroño, Mayor of Gernika Lumoko Udala / Ayuntamiento, host of the 1️⃣st , emphasized, “War will never give the best victory of all. The best victory is peace.”

📺Revisit the high-level gathering in Luanda, Angola: https://www.unaoc.org/luanda/

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