UN Alliance of Civilizations Forum Draws to close with Vienna Declaration
Vienna, March 1 (AZERTAC). Following two days of meetings attended by over 2,000 people from around the world, the UN Alliance of Civilizations 5th Global Forum came to a close. Attendees included youth leaders, representatives from the private sector and civil society, journalists, foundations, alongside governmental and multilateral representatives.
During the two day event, leaders from around the world, including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, President Heinz Fischer of Austria, the Emir of Qatar, Shaikh Hamad Al Thani, Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey, Romanian President Traian Basescu and Foreign Minister Margallo of Spain, Foreign Minister Salehi of Iran, and others conducted closed door meetings to address current global issues such as Syria, Mali, Israel-Palestine, and the future of sustainable development.
Azerbaijan was represented by culture and tourism minister Abulfaz Garayev.
Forum outcomes included the Vienna Declaration, a document affirming the commitment of numerous governments and international organizations from around the world to advancing cross-cultural dialogue. Austrian Foreign Minister Spindelegger saw the document as a unique opportunity “to further the promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue, so that it remains high on the global political agenda.”
Michael Spindelegger also stressed the importance of regional programs of the alliance. He noted the need to enhance their geographic circle, especially in the Middle East and Southern Caucasus. Minister also hailed Azerbaijan as the most active member of the alliance in the region.
Outlining his vision to make the Alliance more active in addressing acute interethnic and inter-religious tensions, the High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, Nassir Al-Nasser, stated, “We will strive to use the tools at our disposal in the difficult settings around the world. We will not shy away from them.”
Hosted by the Austrian Government, the 5th UNAOC Forum brought together more than 2000 people from around the world to Vienna.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Azerbaijani Minister met UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, UN special envoy in the Alliance of Civilizations Nasir Abdulaziz al - Naser and UNESCO General Director Irina Bokova to discuss prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Alliance of Civilizations.
Al-Naser received the invitation to take part in the second International Forum for Intercultural dialogue due in Baku in May.
Minister Garayev told AzerTac that Azerbaijan as a member of the alliance took the active part in its activity. It was noted that the forum in Vienna held under the UN auspices was dedicated to such global aspects as intercultural and interreligious interaction, partnership in the sphere of media, regional integration on the basis of common historical and cultural prerequisites.
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