New York - The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon lauded the United Nations-backed initiative
that seeks to promote better cross-cultural relations worldwide, noting in
particular its recent efforts in the wake of the release of an anti-Islam video
that led to protests in several countries.

“The Alliance of Civilizations both grounds us in everyday realities and lifts
our sights to our shared responsibility to each other,” Mr. Ban said in remarks to the ministerial
meeting of the Alliance’s Group of Friends, held on the margins of the
high-level debate of the General Assembly.

“This is not mere sentiment,” he added. “It has deep and practical consequences
in how we carry and conduct ourselves in the world.”

Mr. Ban noted that the world faces multiple challenges, from climate change to
growing unemployment to terrible bloodshed and conflict in Syria, the Sahel
region of Africa and beyond.   

“To tackle these and other challenges, we must work together. Yet, in many parts
of the world, the politics of division rule the day. The global economic crisis
has only made matters worse. Too often, political and community leaders exploit
unease to polarize communities and drive wedges.

“The deplorable video that has caused such anguish is but the latest example,”
he added.

“In our inter-connected information age, we may not be able to prevent every
merchant of hate in every corner of the world. But we can build bridges that are
strong enough to withstand those forces.  In the process, we can deny those who
seek to sow division what they want most – more hatred, more upheaval, more
publicity.”

Shortly after the release of the video, the Alliance launched an initiative to
ensure that the voices of moderation were not drowned out by the vocal and
violent minorities on any side. Called “Represent Yourself,” the Twitter
campaign engaged more than 3 million people in just a few days.

“This is one small example,” said Mr. Ban. “Time and time again, the Alliance
has shown how it can help open minds and seek change on the ground. It does so
by empowering youth around the world … inviting tomorrow’s leaders to take part
in cross-cultural exchanges … training journalists to keep the public better
informed … and much more.”

Mr. Ban also announced that he has designated Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, the
President of the Assembly’s 66th session, as High Representative for the
Alliance. Mr. Al-Nasser replaces Jorge Sampaio, former President of Portugal,
who led the initiative for five years.

Mr. Sampaio will step down following the next Alliance forum, which is scheduled
for February 2013 and will focus on the issue of responsible leadership.

As the Alliance renews its leadership, the Secretary-General urged participants
to renew their commitment, engagement and support.

“The challenges we face are clear and connected. It is our duty to build the
alliances of understanding that can help secure progress on the many critical
issues we face. Let us make the most of this invaluable platform.”

The Alliance was launched in 2005 through the initiative of Spain and Turkey,
under UN auspices.