THE SECOND FORUM OF THE ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS (UNAOC)

The UNAOC Forum seeks to address some of the ongoing tensions and divides across cultures and religions, and to examine some of the broader challenges of good governance of cultural diversity in an age of rapidly accelerating globalization. It will convene a powerful network of global leaders, heads of international organizations, corporations, the media, civil society and youth groups, to forge partnerships aimed at building substantive interaction between diverse communities and strengthening trust and reconciliation across cultures.

The conference will be hosted by the government of Turkey, and follows the success of the inaugural Alliance Forum which was held in Madrid, Spain, in January 2008. This year’s event will feature the participation of His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, Prime Minister of Turkey, His Excellency José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, President of the Government of Spain, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General’s High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, President Jorge Sampaio, and a host of other top-level political leaders.

Like the UNAOC itself, the Forum will be firmly action-oriented, with an emphasis on delivering concrete projects and practical outcomes. In addition to high-level plenary debates, the event shall feature:

•An international platform for participants to develop joint initiatives and launch new programs.

•A range of project-specific working sessions and will provide an interactive, inclusive convening space for policy-makers, international organizations and civil society groups to share lessons on best practices and develop joint work platforms.

•A unique ‘Marketplace of Ideas’ will showcase some of the most innovative and successful grassroots projects aimed at transcending cultural divides and building peace.

Malaysia delegation led by H.E.  Dato' Mohammad Kamal Yan Yahaya, Deputy Secretary General II Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia accompanied by H.E. Dato' Saipul Anuar Abd. Muin, Ambassador of Malaysia to Turkey and another eight officials as follows:

1. Dato'  Azman Amin Hassan, DG of National Unity and Integration, Ministry of Unity, Cultural, Arts and Heritage;
2. Dato' Azhar  Md. Isa, Undersecretary Policy and Strategic Planning Division, Ministry of Youth and Sports;
3. Mr. Mohd. Azmin Yusoff, Undersecretary Planning and Research Division, Ministry of Higher Education;
4. Mr. Badli Hisham Adam, Counsellor, Embassy of Malaysia in Ankara, Turkey;
5. Mr. Vimalan Muthupandian, Principal Assistant Secretary, Policy and Strategic Planning Division (International) Ministry of Youth and Sports;
6. Mr. Aziz Saad, Principal Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Education;
7. Mr. Zulkifli Hashim, Assistant Secretary (Planning) Department of National Unity and Integration, Ministry of Unity Arts and Heritage;
8. Mr. Mohammad Al-Hafiz Mohd. Nadzir, Assistant Secretary Political and Security Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia.