Tunisia Calls for Integrating Digital Dimension into UN Alliance of Civilizations Priorities
Tunisia has called for the integration of the digital dimension into the priorities of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, using technology to bring people closer together and combat uses that sow hatred or encourage extremism.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti, made this statement during his speech at an international conference on "Activating the Role of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations" in Tunis.
Emphasis on Youth and Women's Roles
Nafti highlighted the importance of the role of young people and women, who can be essential partners in the Alliance's initiatives, not only as beneficiaries but also as actors in building a future where understanding and peace reign.
Strengthening Trust in the UN System
On another note, Nafti stated that "Tunisia believes that strengthening trust in the UN system begins with restoring the value of the human dimension in international action," emphasizing that "the UN Alliance is now called upon to move from the stage of awareness-raising initiatives to that of concrete action on the ground."
This can be achieved, he said, by supporting policies in education, culture, and information that contribute to the establishment of peace and the prevention of conflicts.
Media's Central Role
The Minister also stressed the need for the media to play a central role in development programs and national policies, as a force capable of promoting the values of peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding. He estimated that the media are not only a vector of information but also a tool for raising public awareness, protecting societies against the dangers of hatred and division, and establishing a culture of dialogue.
Alliance of Civilizations: A Platform for Trust and Conflict Prevention
For Nafti, the UN Alliance of Civilizations should be more than just a space for dialogue or a platform for cultural rapprochement. "The Alliance must become a true platform for restoring trust between peoples and an effective tool for preventing conflicts and addressing their cultural and social causes."
Addressing Irregular Migration
Regarding irregular migration, the Minister stated that "we must address its root causes, primarily development disparities and inequality of opportunities between the North and the South," emphasizing that "there is no peace without justice and no migration management without equity."
Respect for Religions and Beliefs
He recalled Tunisia's call to respect religions and beliefs and preserve holy sites from any provocative practices "that have nothing to do with freedom of expression," urging the Alliance of Civilizations to continue its efforts in this area to anchor the culture of mutual respect between religions and civilizations as a condition for establishing international peace.
International Conference
This international conference, organized by the Ministry in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) and the UN Alliance, is part of the vision of President Kais Saied, who proclaimed 2025 the "year of multilateral action."
It is also part of the preparation for the 11th edition of the UN Alliance of Civilizations Global Forum, scheduled to take place on December 14 and 15 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The conference, which brings together representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other ministries, public institutions, ISESCO, international organizations, international experts, and specialists in intercultural dialogue, aims to exchange successful international experiences and establish cooperation mechanisms between international organizations and member states, as well as crystallize ideas and visions that will strengthen the Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations.
