ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS

GROUP OF FRIENDS MINISTERIAL MEETING

New York, 24 September 2008

Time: 8.30-10.30; Venue: Trusteeship Council Chamber (UN Headquarters)

Mr Secretary General,

Mr High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations,

Dear Colleagues,

  • In February this year, Ljubljana hosted a notable conference on Muslims as citizens of the West, which dealt with different models of integration and dialogue with Muslim communities in Europe.We are pleased that the meeting was also attended by many prominent guests, including the UN High Commissioner, Jorge Sampaio.

PROPOSALS FOR THE FUTURE COOPERATION WITH THE AOC

  • Slovenia would like to propose a project of Euro-MediterraneanUniversity to become a partner organization of the Alliance in promoting intercultural dialogue in the field of educational and research programmes.
  • The Euro-MediterraneanUniversity with its seat in Portorož was founded in June 2008 with the support of the EU and partner universities. The University is Slovenia´s lasting contribution to intercultural cooperation projects as well as an appropriate framework for academic exchange and social influence. We believe that this university will contribute to the dialogue among youth and scholars in the Mediterranean basin that represents rich cultural, religious and humanistic inheritance of human civilisation. The inauguration took place in June this year.The university,which will start delivering its own accredited programs in the academic year 2009/2010,was selected as one of the six main projects of the Union of the Mediterranean.
  • I am delighted to announce today that the Euro-MediterraneanUniversity and the Alliance decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, on the basis of which they will collaborate on exchange of expertise and joint research among participating institutions in the areas of intercultural dialogue. Furthermore they will sponsor and disseminate research about these issues within and beyond the AoC “Research Network” of universities, research centres and think-tanks. The Euro-MediterraneanUniversity may also assist the AoC in its projects like Clearinghouse and Rapid Response Media Mechanism.
  • Another proposal should be taken into consideration that the Second Alliance of Civilizations Forum to be held in Istanbul in April 2009 should devote particular attention to intercultural dialogue in South-Eastern Europe or the Western Balkans. The European friends of the Alliance of Civilizations should intensify social and political dialogue with this region which should follow the path towards dialogue and understanding between its cultures and religions.

CONCLUSION

  • Allow me to conclude by saying that respect for diversity, tolerance and dignity is the cornerstone for a prosperous society. We should all build upon our common values and achievement and translate them into action.

Thank you.

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