United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is an initiative that attempts to "galvanize international action against extremism" through the forging of international, intercultural and interreligious dialogue and cooperation. The Alliance places a particular emphasis on defusing tensions between the Western and Islamic worlds.
Structure and leadership[edit]
The "High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations" is the title of the primary leadership position of UNAOC, who functions as a political facilitator and lead spokesperson, and consults directly with the United Nations Secretary-General. The High Representative holds the rank of Under-Secretary-General.
In April 2007, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon assigned the position of High Representative to Jorge Sampaio, former President of Portugal.
In February 2013, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, who served as President of the Sixty-sixth Session of the United Nations General Assembly (2011-2012), assumed the post of High Representative, succeeding President Sampaio in the position.
In January 2019, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Miguel Ángel Moratinos, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain, as High Representative.
In 2023, Nihal Saad, former TV journalist from Egypt, assumed the role of Director of UNAOC. Before assuming the post of Director, Ms. Saad served as the Chief of Cabinet and Spokesperson for the High Representative from 2013 to 2023.
The Secretariat of the Alliance of Civilizations [1] provides support to the High Representative and implements developmental functions of UNAOC.