The Doha Centre for Media Freedom (DCMF) has partnered with the fourth United Nations Alliance of Civilizations forum, an annual event which this year is meeting in Doha from December 11 -13.
Over 2,000 participants including political and corporate leaders, civil society activists, youth groups, faith communities, research centres, foundations and journalists are coming together to agree on joint actions to improve relations across cultures, combat prejudice and build lasting peace.
This year’s event will on three main themes: How does cultural diversity matter in development? The promotion of trust and tolerance to develop goals as well as discussing new strategies for intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation.
“The world is undergoing some remarkable changes which demonstrate that now, more than ever, is the time for action not words,” said Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Alliance of Civilisations Ambassador. In a statement on the forum’s website, she added: “New thinking and innovative approaches are urgently needed to face the growing challenges in vital areas such as education, health, poverty, youth, media and culture.
The Doha Centre for Media Freedom is a partner, along with eight other Qatari civil society organisations including the National Human Rights Committee, Silatech and Reach Out To Asia.
"More than ever, our world is shaped by intense interaction among diverse cultural, religious and linguistic communities. This growing diversity is a source of enrichment and opportunity, but can also lead to tensions, misunderstanding and hostility," the forum's website says. "The Doha Forum will convene a diverse network of actors that are working on this issue to share ideas, learn from each other, and listen to the needs of the grassroots in different communities around the world."
The DCMF has recruited and trained a team of junior reporters to cover the forum as part of the Centre's new Media Literacy Programme. The recently launched Programme aims to explain news and press freedom to the next generation.
Stay tuned to this page for updates on the conference, videos from our young reporters, photos of the event and highlights from the delegates who have flown in from all over the world to attend.
