If you ask me, the UN Alliance of Civilisations 2011 Doha Forum can be summerised by the well-known Andy Worehole quote: ‘replace fear of the unknown with curiosity’.
The convergence of 2,500 world leaders, civil society representatives, corporates, journalists and youth leaders had one key purpose – finding solidarity and peace amongst our human race.
Youth leaders benefited from a private day prior to the opening of the Forum. The energy, excitement and enthusiasm of these 400 leaders cannot be matched. Outcomes from the day were presented to UN Security General Ban Ki Moon, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza of Qatar.
Workshops throughout the Forum split into many directions but the core theme continued to transpire: ‘human rights are everyone’s responsibility’. Needless to say, people around the world share a set of aspirations:
- Safety of one’s self and their family
- Opportunities to a good life
- Good health
- Freedom to an education, religion and speech
It is our collective responsibility to protect and defend these aspirations for all.
Doha, Qatar, was a perfectly fitting location for an international Forum on diversity. The city – booming from its liquefied gas assets – has become a metropolitan mecca. Migrants from South Asia, Eastern Africa and Eastern Europe are arriving in unprecedented numbers. While Doha accommodates migrants through a surplus of job opportunities, the challenge remains for the nation to hold its culture identity while embracing diversity.
Set in what is arguably the world’s most lavish convention centre, participants raced between theatre’s, convention rooms and breakout meeting rooms. The number of speakers – all with insightful things to say – was arguably too great – I don’t believe anyone could keep up with the program!
Above the learning journey though, the Forum provided the most valuable networking opportunity. To be surrounded by like-minded leaders who are not only willing, but are enabling change around the globe was a true inspiration.
While direct outcomes of the Forum are yet to be measured, I contest the ability to engage and inspire with the people present is something to thank the UNAOC and Qatar Government for. Admittedly, I was encouraged by the clear agreement that for us to move forward as an international community, Palestine must be recoginsed as a State. This remained a pervasive and universal message.
Drawing back to my own experience, the multitude of encounters between taxi drivers, Palestinian activists, African leaders, religion zealots, journalists, right up until the Iraqi friend I sat next to on the plane ride home taught me so much about the world in which I live. Each experience truly cut to the essences of what the UNAOC stands for.
In summation, the Forum went a long way in teaching me about the role I play in my own community. We are truly blessed in Melbourne to have such a vibrant and diverse community – something we need to keep and promote to all Australians challenged by ‘fear of the unknown’.
