ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS
GROUP OF FRIENDS MINISTERIAL MEETING
New York, 24 September 2008
Time: 8.30-10.30; Venue: Trusteeship Council Chamber (UN
Headquarters)
Mr Secretary General,
Mr High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations,
Dear Colleagues,
 In February this year, Ljubljana hosted a notable conference on Muslims as
citizens of the West, which dealt with different models of integration and
dialogue with Muslim communities in Europe. We are pleased that the
meeting was also attended by many prominent guests, including the UN High
Commissioner, Jorge Sampaio.
PROPOSALS FOR THE FUTURE COOPERATION WITH THE AOC
 Slovenia would like to propose a project of Euro-Mediterranean
University to become a partner organization of the Alliance in promoting
intercultural dialogue in the field of educational and research programmes.
 The Euro-Mediterranean University with its seat in Portorož was founded
in June 2008 with the support of the EU and partner universities. The
University is Slovenia´s lasting contribution to intercultural cooperation
projects as well as an appropriate framework for academic exchange and
social influence. We believe that this university will contribute to the
dialogue among youth and scholars in the Mediterranean basin that
represents rich cultural, religious and humanistic inheritance of human
civilisation. The inauguration took place in June this year. The university,
which will start delivering its own accredited programs in the academic year
2009/2010, was selected as one of the six main projects of the Union of the
Mediterranean.
 I am delighted to announce today that the Euro-Mediterranean University and
the Alliance decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, on the
basis of which they will collaborate on exchange of expertise and joint
research among participating institutions in the areas of intercultural
dialogue. Furthermore they will sponsor and disseminate research about these
issues within and beyond the AoC “Research Network” of universities,
research centres and think-tanks. The Euro-Mediterranean University may
also assist the AoC in its projects like Clearinghouse and Rapid Response
Media Mechanism.
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 Another proposal should be taken into consideration that the Second Alliance
of Civilizations Forum to be held in Istanbul in April 2009 should devote
particular attention to intercultural dialogue in South-Eastern Europe or
the Western Balkans. The European friends of the Alliance of Civilizations
should intensify social and political dialogue with this region which should
follow the path towards dialogue and understanding between its cultures and
religions.
CONCLUSION
 Allow me to conclude by saying that respect for diversity, tolerance and
dignity is the cornerstone for a prosperous society. We should all build upon
our common values and achievement and translate them into action.
Thank you.
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