The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 14 to 15 December 2025, under the theme “UNAOC: Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity — Advancing a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding in a Multipolar World.” During the Forum, ICESCO was represented by a delegation including Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector of ICESCO, and headed by H.E. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Organization.

The Forum opened with an address by His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in which he emphasized the importance of dialogue as a main gateway to building coexistence and peace among peoples, and to strengthening trust and mutual understanding in the face of fast-changing global challenges.

An address by Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, followed, wherein the Secretary-General stressed that the world stands today at a historic crossroads, making it imperative to understand one another and to build bridges of alliance and cooperation among peoples in order to prevent conflicts and combat discourses of division and hatred.

For his part, Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, reviewed the journey of the Alliance since its establishment and the qualitative initiatives and programs it has delivered over the past twenty years, reaffirming the Alliance’s growing role in entrenching a culture of dialogue and confronting extremism and racism.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, also delivered an address in which he reaffirmed that the concept of a “clash of civilizations” should not be adopted as a framework for understanding relations among peoples, stressing that it lacks basis in the essence of human values. He emphasized that alliance and mutual acquaintance constitute the fundamental principle upon which shared values are built, highlighting the tolerance of the true Islamic faith and its call for justice, coexistence, and the safeguarding of human dignity.

The event saw high-level participation, including a host of ministers and heads of international organizations, as well as prominent attendance by several heads of state and religious leaders from various parts of the world, reflecting the growing international momentum surrounding issues of dialogue and coexistence.

It is worth noting that the Global Forum placed particular emphasis on the importance of empowering youth and engaging them in instilling the principles of peace and promoting a culture of alliance and mutual understanding among nations, as they represent a fundamental pillar in building a more harmonious and cooperative global future.