Background:

It is evident, that in areas where there is no dialogue and no understanding of each other’s insecurities, there is conflict. Therefore, a collaboration by Citizens with Governments and Religions, as three basic pillars of the new world order based on Unity in Diversity, will find its pathways for progress through dialogue and will build trust as the basis for respect and living as good neighbours.

Unity in Diversity – World Civil Society is the nucleus of a planetary citizens assembly, which aims to represent every culture, ethnicity and civilization at the local, regional and global (UN) levels, committed to increasing capacity in communities so that citizens may integrate while maintaining their cultural identity and heritage, and may better contribute to mainstream society.  Not as citizens alone, but together and in collaboration with local, state, federal governments and international institutions this vision will become successful.

Since 2010, GDF and numerous civil society partners around the world have been working with the UN Alliance of Civilizations to promote intercultural dialogue and understanding.  Currently, Unity in Diversity-World Civil Society is lead by a Global Presidency, representing 19 countries from; South Pacific, South Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It is supported and guided by a Consortium-Global Consultative Advisory Body, which has a registered membership from over 45 countries.

The UN welcomes and requires these endeavors of bringing together governments, international organizations, private business sector, civil society organizations and individuals to enhance understanding through constructive dialogue and to boost the implementation of the UN sustainable Development Goals.

Objectives:

• to form a “National Steering Committee” in India; which will coordinate continuous collaboration among civil society, private business sector, governments, religions, spiritual organisations, and work towards building inclusive societies,

• to establish a grassroots “Community Leadership Team”; which will work with local communities in creating and implementing projects to strengthen civil society via dialogue and understanding,

• to lay the foundation of the Policy of the Indian Unity in Diversity – World Civil Society Assembly and to create the first action plan based on this policy, and

• to establish collaboration between the UN Alliance of Civilizations India Focal Point, UN associated organisations and the India civil society; in order to contribute to reaching the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

Who is invited:

Corporate leaders, youth groups, women’s groups, media, educationists, migrants, sports, music arts and entertainment, volunteer groups, faith or spiritual groups, community organizations, cultural & ethnic groups, multicultural & diaspora organizations, congress bodies, councils, individuals with an interest in intercultural understanding, prominent thought leaders, etc., and everyone who believes in the vision of the Unity in Diversity.




Contacts – Media/Information:

South Asia: Maya Shahani, Cell: +91 9820212290  maya@shahanigroup.com 
North America / South Americas: Patrick Sciarratta, Cell +1 (914) 843-4820 patrick@vnclm.org 

Europe: Miomir Rajcevic, +381 63 386 285  rajcevic@sbb.rs

Africa: Moses Kyamakya, mkyamakya@gmail.com

Australia / South Pacific: Peter (Pece) Gorgievski +61 405 33 00 66 pece@globaldialoguefoundation.org