Riyadh: Europe and the Arabs
As 2025 draws to a close, and geopolitical divisions between North and South and East and West intensify, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations is holding its annual forum in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, after 20 years of work to help bridge the divide. According to the UN Daily News, Riyadh will host the 11th Alliance Forum on December 14 and 15, bringing together representatives of governments, civil society, young leaders, women peacebuilders, and the media. The forum's theme encapsulates its purpose and focus: "Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity – Advancing a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding in a Multipolar World." The UN Daily News also notes that around the world, intolerance and xenophobia are on the rise, and cultural and religious differences are being used to justify violence and exclusion. Hate speech, particularly online, is escalating, deepening mistrust and undermining social cohesion. In this climate, the UN Alliance of Civilizations' mission to promote mutual respect and understanding among cultures and religions is more crucial than ever. The UN Alliance of Civilizations was established in the wake of tragedy. Following the September 11 attacks on the United States and other attacks in Bali, Madrid, London, and Istanbul, Spain and Turkey supported an initiative to bridge the gap Conflicts.

Former Secretary-General Kofi Annan launched the Alliance in 2005 to prevent identity-based conflicts and to transform diversity into a source of strength, not a pretext for violence.

What does the Alliance do?

Guided by the motto "Many cultures, one humanity," the Alliance has become a leading international forum for intercultural dialogue. Its work ranges from supporting youth, education, and media to addressing issues of migration and combating hate speech.

By empowering women in peacemaking and harnessing the power of sport and the arts, the Alliance has launched initiatives that challenge stereotypes and contribute to preventing violent extremism and promoting inclusion.

What will the Riyadh meeting cover?

The 11th Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations will include several events, including:

A high-level meeting of the Group of Friends of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, which now comprises 161 members.

A youth forum highlighting participants in Alliance programs who have led change in their communities.

Specialized sessions on pressing issues such as AI-driven disinformation, women on the front lines of peace, migration and human dignity, and combating hate speech.

A film festival. PLURAL+, which celebrates the creative voices of young video creators in the fields of migration and combating xenophobia.

What are the expected outcomes?

The forum is expected to adopt the Riyadh Declaration, establish partnerships and agreements for 2026 and beyond, and develop recommendations for the forum's action plan for the period 2027-2031.

After 20 years of work, the alliance reaffirms its clear message: dialogue is not a luxury, but a lifeline for humanity in an increasingly fragmented world.