HE Al Nasser Seeks to Restructuring Alliance of Civilizations

New York, March 06 (QNA) -His Excellency Nassir Bin Abdulaziz Al-Nasser , the UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations at the Fifth Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), has underlined that he would act in the coming stage for strengthening the financing and structure of the Alliance and enhancing its financial resources. HE Nassir Bin Abdulaziz Al-Nasser participated in the 5th forum of the UNAOC held late last month in Vienna when he first and officially assumed the chairmanship of the alliance as a UN high representative for the Alliance of Civilizations after the transitional period which commenced last October. The UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations stressed in an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) here on Wednesday that one of the pressing priorities after assuming his port, is the use of mediation as a soft power to defuse crises and conflicts arising from the ethnical and cultural diversities. There are also signs of hope- the hope that the International Community can overcome most difficult crises. We witness momentum to use the path of mediation for resolving disputes and tensions, HE Al-Nasser said. The Secretary Genera last year said in Istanbul, and I quote: "the Alliance could have an important mediating role in the many conflicts where culture or religion come into play". For my part, I received the support of member states when I designated Mediation as a theme for the 66th session of the UNGA. In this framework, I can see the Alliance of Civilizations using mediation as a tool of preventive diplomacy. On Strengthening the Financing and Structure of the Alliance as I assume my duties I will identify how the Alliance should operate, how it should be structured and how it must be financially supported if we are to accomplish its vital task, he added. The Alliance is grateful for the generous contributions of many Member States. However, as we consider future activities, we must take steps to improve the level and type of predictable funding. On a similar note, the transition to new leadership creates new opportunities for restructuring the Alliance as an institution. As I will be based in New York, UNAOC will have an opportunity to build a new structural coherence. And since the Alliance has limited financial and human resources, I intend to locate more support, from donor countries, entities and partners. '' I wish to extend my gratitude to my country, the State of Qatar, under the leadership of His Highness the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, for their trust in me and their support without which I would not be where I am today", the UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations said. Before doing so, let me first take this opportunity to acknowledge the leadership of HE President Jorge Sampaio of Portugal as outgoing High Representative. President Sampaio has been a pioneer in giving a concrete expression to the Alliance as an institution-and we are all grateful for what he did. The World Development Report strongly suggests that without harmony among different groups in a society, it is not possible to reach the needed stability for achieving sustainable development and prosperity. Peace can last only where human rights are respected, because peace, security, human rights and development are interconnected and mutually reinforcing, HE Al-Nasser said in conclusion .(QNA)