United States Joins Alliance Of Civilizations

United States Joins Alliance Of Civilizations

UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK - The United States government today announced it is joining the UN Alliance of Civilizations. It will be the 100th member country of the initiative.

"I am pleased that the United States has announced its intention to join the Alliance of Civilizations," said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. "The US will bring unique capabilities to this initiative, not least the great diversity and innovative character of the American people."

President Sampaio, High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, welcomed the decision. "The United States membership is a very significant opportunity to maintain the issue of cultural diversity high on the global agenda," he said.

The Alliance of Civilizations is a special project of the UN Secretary-General which seeks to counter the cultural and religious forces which can lead to extremism and polarization in society, and works to actively engage governments in support of civil society projects that help bring communities together. The Alliance has already developed a number of partnerships with US-based organizations, and the entry of the US government into the Alliance is expected to lead to greater participation by US-based academic and research institutions, NGOs, businesses, religious and media groups.

"The goals and activities of the Alliance complement President Obama's vision of active U.S. engagement with other nations and international organizations to advance American security interests and meet the global challenges of the 21st century," said Philip Crowley, Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs.

ENDS