Istanbul/ Information Office/ April 09

The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations HE Nassir bin Abdul Aziz Al-Nasser has underlined the importance of the role of the Organization in building bridges of understanding among civilizations and promoting values ??of tolerance and respect for others. 
Speaking at the 20th Euro-Asian Summit in Istanbul recently, HE Al Nasser said , the theme of the summit (humanitarian at the crossroads) is of great importance, as it coincides with the international events and crises facing our world today as a result of the growing wave of violent extremism, terrorism and the crisis of immigrants, and the rising tone of polarization," as well as hate speech, whether on the extreme right or on the media and social networking sites against minorities and immigrants. 
He referred to the role of the International Organization in promoting dialogue among religions through its work with religious leaders and organizations, explaining its various activities to empower young people and supporting non-governmental organizations in order to enhance their role in peace-building in the societies in which they work. 
He also highlighted the international symposium held by the organization in cooperation with the European Union in Brussels last January on the role of media in preventing hate speech against immigrants and refugees, which resulted in a working paper to be distributed soon to UN Member States and other related agencies. 
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek opened the three-day summit, with the participation of senior officials from European and Asian countries.