April 22, 2016 By: Sahr Morris Jr.
Organisers of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) have confirmed that over 150 young leaders from 110 countries, including Sierra Leone, will attend the forthcoming 7th Global Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan.
This year’s forum, which will run from 25-27 April, will also attract some 2,000 heads of states, government officials, civil society, religious leaders and media practitioners who are all expected to share their perspectives and solutions on the theme: “Living Together in Inclusive Societies: A Challenge and A Goal”.
According to the organisers, this year’s theme reflects UNAOC’s core mission, which is to improve understanding and collaboration among peoples across cultures by reducing division.
“The expected outcomes of the forum include but are not limited to the new partnerships between UNAOC and other entities, the launching the UNAOC Advisory Council,” a statement from the organisers reads.
The three days event have been divided into two plenary sessions which will provide an opportunity for showcasing the impact and results of the projects of UNAOC and its partners, discussing best practices in various relevant areas, and strengthening existing partnerships and fostering new partnerships.
Experts at the forum will have the opportunity to highlight various challenges that impede the inclusiveness of today’s societies.
Nihal Saad, Chief of Cabinet and Spokesperson for the High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations said: “A sub-theme of our Forum will be the prevention of violent extremism, echoing the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism.
“Our sessions and discussions aim at exploring how to face and prevent extremism and marginalization jointly, sustainably, and across sectors and cultures.”
Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, erstwhile Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, one time French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, ex-President of Slovenia Danilo Türk, and retired soccer player Christian Karembeu will participate in some of the sessions.