Kofi Annan Announces New UN Initiative: "Alliance of Civilizations"

July 14, 2005

Source: UN Press Release

http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=1581

On July 14, 2005 a UN press release reported, "The Secretary-General is pleased to announce the launch of an initiative for an 'Alliance of Civilizations.' The initiative is intended to respond to the need for a committed effort by the international community -- both at the institutional and civil society levels -- to bridge divides and overcome prejudice, misconceptions, misperceptions, and polarization which potentially threaten world peace. The Alliance will aim to address emerging threats emanating from hostile perceptions that foment violence, and to bring about cooperation among various efforts to heal such divisions... The Alliance of Civilizations is intended as a coalition against such forces, as a movement to advance mutual respect for religious beliefs and traditions, and as a reaffirmation of humankind's increasing interdependence in all areas -- from the environment to health, from economic and social development to peace and security. The call for an alliance was initiated by Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero of Spain, and co-sponsored by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey. Both Governments will continue, as co-sponsors, to provide support."