Cascais: Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the UAE Ministry of the Foreign Affairs, led the UAE delegation at the 10th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC), held in Cascais, Portugal, from 25 to 27 November.

According to Emirates News Agency, the forum, hosted by the Government of Portugal, aimed to enhance understanding and cooperation among nations and cultures, reduce polarisation, and foster more inclusive societies. The event, under the theme ‘United in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future,’ gathered high-level political leaders, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, along with official delegations, interfaith actors, and civil society representatives to reflect on two decades of dialogue for humanity.

Al Kaabi addressed the UAE’s intervention at the High-level Meeting of the UNAOC Group of Friends on the second day of the forum. She celebrated the adoption of the Cascais Declaration, emphasizing its role in promoting tolerance and peac
eful coexistence while building bridges between cultures. The Minister highlighted the UAE’s diverse social fabric, home to more than 200 nationalities, as a source of harmony, strength, development, and stability.

Continuing her address, Al Kaabi urged UN member states and societal representatives to combat intolerance, extremism, and hate speech, fostering bonds of friendship and cooperation. She advocated for the promotion and protection of cultural and religious heritage as a catalyst for cultural and social revival, referencing the UAE’s involvement in UNESCO’s ‘Revive the Spirit of Mosul’ initiative with a USD 50.4 million contribution in 2018.

In her concluding remarks, Al Kaabi reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to joint work and international cooperation to build a future of peace, tolerance, prosperity, and development.