RIYADH (TDI): Global leaders, policymakers, and representatives from civil society gathered in Riyadh this week for the 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), an event marking two decades of international efforts to promote dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence in an increasingly divided world.
Hosted by Saudi Arabia on December 14–15, the forum is being held under the theme “UNAOC: Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity: Advancing a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding in a Multipolar World.” The gathering brings together political leaders, international and regional organizations, religious and faith leaders, as well as representatives from the private sector, academia, youth groups, arts, sports, and media.
As UNAOC enters its third decade, the forum serves both as a commemoration of its 20th anniversary and as a platform to chart a future course toward lasting global peace.
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), launched in 2005 by then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan with support from Spain and Türkiye, aims to counter extremism and intolerance while promoting peaceful coexistence among diverse cultures and faiths.
At the 11th Global Forum, the current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the paradox of a world that is more connected than ever yet increasingly fragmented, urging participants to build bridges between cultures and emphasizing the vital role of youth, women, and people of faith in driving positive change.
The forum concluded with the endorsement of the Riyadh Communiqué, which calls for combating all forms of religious intolerance, promoting education as a tool for dialogue, and reaffirming UNAOC’s mission of mutual understanding and inclusion. High Representative Miguel Moratinos stressed that every culture must have an equal voice in shaping the future and warned against the resurgence of hatred, discrimination, Islamophobia, and antisemitism.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud reinforced the Kingdom’s commitment to intercultural dialogue, highlighting the need to counter extremist movements and hate speech. Together, the forum and its outcomes underscored the continued importance of global cooperation and dialogue to foster peace, tolerance, and inclusion.
Pakistan’s Climate Change Minister, Senator Musadik Malik, addressed the UNAOC forum in Riyadh, urging the global community to uphold justice and human rights universally.
He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to women’s, minority, environmental, and children’s rights, warning that selective application of principles and weakening multilateralism risk deepening global divisions. Malik also highlighted water rights as a key regional concern, calling for fair sharing among riparian states amid tensions over the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan’s participation underscored its role as a vocal advocate for dialogue, human rights, and multilateral cooperation, marking the UNAOC’s 20th anniversary as a reminder to strengthen mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
The forum also addressed contemporary global challenges such as AI-driven misinformation, deepfakes, and online hate speech.
Through its participation, Pakistan reaffirmed its belief that meaningful global engagement and inclusive dialogue remain essential tools for addressing conflict, building a more just international order, and contributing to global peace and stability.
Minahil Khurshid holds a Master's in Peace and Conflict Studies from NUST. She is passionate about current affairs, public policy, and geopolitics.
