Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 11, 2025 UN
In recent years, the world has been confronted with deepening geopolitical rifts – between North and South, East and West. Against this backdrop, the UN Alliance of Civilizations is celebrating its twentieth anniversary by holding an international forum in Riyadh dedicated to combating intolerance, incitement to hatred, and strengthening mutual respect in a multipolar world.
The capital of Saudi Arabia will host the 11th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations on December 14–15. The summit will bring together representatives of national governments and civil society, youth and women's leaders, and media professionals and executives.
Mission of unification
The reason this event is of global significance is clear: intolerance and xenophobia are on the rise worldwide. Cultural and religious differences are increasingly being used to justify violence and oppression. A wave of hate speech, particularly in the digital space, is fueling mistrust and undermining social cohesion. In this climate, the Alliance's mission—promoting mutual respect and understanding between cultures and religions—is more relevant than ever.
History of the Alliance
The Alliance's history dates back to the early 21st century. This organization was born in the shadow of tragedy: after the September 11 attacks in the United States and subsequent terrorist attacks in Bali, Madrid, London, and Istanbul.
Against this backdrop, Spain and Turkey proposed an initiative to overcome the rapidly deepening geopolitical rifts. The alliance was officially launched in 2005 with the support of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan – with the goal of preventing conflicts and transforming cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity into a source of strength rather than a pretext for violence.
"Diversity of Cultures. One Humanity."
Since then, guided by the motto "Diversity of Cultures. One Humanity," the Alliance of Civilizations has become the UN's leading platform for intercultural dialogue. Its activities span education, media literacy, migration, and countering hate speech. The Alliance launches projects that challenge stereotypes, prevent extremism, and promote inclusivity—from supporting women as mediators in peace processes to using sports and art as a unifying force. Today, its alumni network comprises hundreds of experts working across the globe.
Forum program
The Riyadh Forum will host a meeting of the Alliance's Friends Group, which comprises 161 members. The Saudi capital will also host a Youth Forum, where alumni will share the changes they have initiated in their communities.
Thematic sessions will address the most pressing issues of our time: disinformation generated by artificial intelligence, the role of women in peacebuilding, migration and human dignity, and the fight against hate speech. The forum's cultural program will feature a special place in the youth video festival PLURAL, which celebrates creative voices that confront xenophobia and promote diversity.
The forum is expected to result in the adoption of the Riyadh Declaration, which will define the next stage of the Alliance's development. New partnerships and agreements for 2026 will be announced, as well as recommendations for the 2027–2031 Action Plan.
Twenty years later, the message of the UN Alliance of Civilizations remains unchanged: dialogue is the vital foundation for humanity in an increasingly fragmented world.
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