Cascais, Portugal, 26 November 2024 - Prince Rahim Aga Khan attended the 10th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) today, alongside heads of state, government officials, religious leaders and civil society representatives.

Hosted in Cascais, Portugal, the forum aims to strengthen intercultural dialogue, promote understanding and build bridges to address global challenges relating to peace and security. In doing so, the event contributes to conflict prevention and the promotion of peaceful coexistence, thus advancing the goals of the United Nations.

“Diversity is a richness, and our greatest strength – not a threat,” said António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, at the opening ceremony. “At a time of spreading hatred and intolerance, we must not only defend diversity but we must invest in it. Harnessed effectively, cultural diversity can be a powerhouse of ideas and innovation.”

“Let’s stand together, with our shared faith in humanity,” he concluded. “One planet, one human family rich in diversity, equal in dignity and rights, and united in solidarity.”

The opening ceremony also included remarks from high-level delegates including Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal; His Majesty Don Felipe VI, King of Spain; and Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, who all spoke on the theme “United in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future”.

“It is precisely now, in the world and in the 21st century, that diplomacy is a peaceful tool that seeks understanding,” said King Felipe, “and it is more necessary than ever.”

This event, which marks UNAOC’s 20th anniversary, comes at a time of rising tension, fear and injustice at local, national and regional levels. The Global Forum provides a platform to respond to such issues by nurturing equity and cooperation in communities and societies across the world.

“The alliance is a crucial fora to demonstrate that many countries share the same vision and courage to change the current international system into a better one.” said Mr Fidan.

A special session was dedicated to the memory of Mr Jorge Sampaio, former President of the Portuguese Republic from 1996 to 2006, and the first High Representative for UNAOC from 2007 to 2013. During his leadership, he helped shape the UNAOC into a tool that fosters peace and mutual respect among different cultures and religions. He prioritised the involvement of young people in the organisation’s activities, recognising their role in promoting tolerance and inclusivity.

“We remember a creative friend, but above all a great fighter for peace, fraternity, freedom and human dignity,” reflected President Rebelo de Sousa. “His name was Jorge Sampaio and we will remember him forever.”

As President of Portugal, Mr Sampaio was a warm friend of the Ismaili community. He laid the foundation stone of the Ismaili Centre Lisbon in 1996 and opened the building in 1998 in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan. The late President’s vision and dedication to diplomacy continue to inspire the work of individuals and organisations like UNAOC today.

To close the day’s proceedings, the Aga Khan Master Musicians performed for delegates as part of the Global Forum’s “cultural moment”, showcasing new creations that celebrate Eastern and Western musical traditions. The artists on this occasion included Wu Man (pipa), Basel Rajoub (saxophone), Feras Charestan (qanun) and Andrea Piccioni (frame drums), joined by special guests from Portugal, Ana Ferreira (vocals) and Miguel Amaral (Portuguese guitar).

Ahead of today’s formal opening, a dinner was hosted at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon for selected international guests attending the UNAOC. The event included the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ismaili Imamat and UNAOC, to promote peace, stability and stronger civil society in regions of common interest.