April 29, 2016 By: Sahr Morris Jr. in Baku, Azerbaijan
United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, has in a video message to mark the opening ceremony of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in Baku, Azerbaijan, urged participants of the forum to eliminate conflicts causes.
The idea of the 7th UNAOC Global Forum – co-existence in inclusive societies – is an important one, said the UN Secretary General
Ban Ki-moon expressed gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for organising the event.
“Xenophobia and racism is a serious problem. Decent life conditions should be provided for everyone. That’s why I fully support the forum’s idea,” the UN chief said.
He noted that next month Istanbul would host an event on humanitarian crisis, calling on more than 150 participants at the forum to show support for the event.
“Record numbers of people have been forced to flee their homes, and the underlying causes of all conflicts must be eliminated,” Ban Ki-moon said and stressed that the UN General Assembly was determined to eradicate violence.
The UN chief emphasised the importance of strengthening confidence and understanding throughout the world, adding that journalists too must be involved in this work.