Role of Alliance of Civilizations more vital than ever, say UN officials
NEW YORK. September 26. KAZINFORM With its ability to foster cross-cultural understanding among peoples and societies, the Alliance of Civilizations initiative is crucial in the struggle to combat intolerance, extremism and bigotry worldwide, United Nations officials stressed Sept 23.
The work of the Alliance touches on many of the threats at the top of the global agenda, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted in his remarks to the ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends of the Alliance, which was set up in 2005 by Spain and Turkey under UN auspices, the UN News Centre reports.
"Two out of every three major conflicts in our world have a cultural dimension. Extremism, religious strife and bigotry fuel the fire," Mr. Ban said.
"Even the most stable democracies suffer horrific acts of hatred and the killing of innocent civilians singled out for their identity or their beliefs," he added. "Across the world, bridges of understanding strain under the weight of intolerance and polarization."
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