NEW YORK, December 15, 2025: The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) has called on young people across the globe to reaffirm their commitment to peace, dialogue, and mutual respect amid growing social and geopolitical divisions. The appeal comes as international tensions, conflict, and humanitarian crises continue to challenge global stability and cohesion. UNAOC High Representative Miguel Ángel Moratinos said youth play a crucial role in shaping peaceful and inclusive societies, stressing that their participation in decision-making is essential for sustainable peace. Addressing recent developments affecting intercultural relations, Moratinos emphasized that fostering trust among communities and promoting dialogue across divides are key to maintaining global harmony.
He noted that young people represent not only the largest demographic group in many regions but also the most dynamic force for change. The Alliance, established in 2005 as a special initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General, works to improve understanding and cooperation among nations and peoples across cultures and religions. Its programs focus on youth empowerment, media literacy, and education as pathways to prevent conflict and strengthen coexistence. UNAOC’s latest statement highlighted that the erosion of trust, fueled by misinformation and social polarization, threatens to undermine years of progress toward inclusive development. Moratinos underscored the importance of education and intercultural dialogue in countering hate speech and extremism. He said that digital literacy has become essential in helping young people navigate online platforms responsibly and resist manipulation or division.
UN Alliance calls for renewed trust and intercultural dialogue
According to UNAOC, initiatives such as the Young Peacebuilders program demonstrate how practical engagement can build bridges between communities affected by conflict. Participants are trained to develop local projects that promote understanding, inclusion, and civic participation. The organization said that more than 200 youth leaders from different regions have taken part in its training and dialogue programs, creating networks that encourage social cohesion at the community level. UNAOC has maintained that inclusive participation and equitable opportunities are critical to addressing the root causes of tension and instability. It continues to collaborate with governments, educational institutions, and civil society organizations to integrate peace education into national and local curricula. The UN body’s message aligns with broader multilateral efforts to uphold peace through preventive action and inclusive governance.
It reaffirmed that the pursuit of peace requires tangible commitments, including investment in education, job creation, and social protection systems that reduce inequalities. UNAOC has called on all member states and stakeholders to prioritize youth engagement in policymaking and to support initiatives that strengthen intercultural understanding. Marking nearly two decades since its establishment, UNAOC is preparing a series of regional youth forums and dialogues to be held throughout 2026. These gatherings will convene policymakers, educators, and young leaders to exchange experiences and reinforce partnerships aimed at sustaining peace. The Alliance reiterated that peace-building must remain a shared responsibility and that young people are indispensable partners in safeguarding human dignity and coexistence.
Digital literacy seen as crucial for peacebuilding today
Moratinos concluded that the global community must continue to act collectively to defend the principles of dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation. He reaffirmed UNAOC’s commitment to working with youth as a cornerstone of peace efforts worldwide, stating that fostering understanding among cultures remains one of the United Nations’ enduring priorities. He added that promoting inclusive dialogue must be matched by practical initiatives that address the social and economic drivers of conflict. Moratinos called for strengthened partnerships among governments, civil society, and educational institutions to ensure that peacebuilding is embedded in public policy and community development. He emphasized that peace cannot be sustained without equality, justice, and access to opportunity for all, noting that youth engagement represents both a moral and strategic investment in humanity’s collective future. – By Content Syndication Services.