LISBON: Since 9/11 and the protracted conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, initiatives aimed at fostering greater understanding between different faiths and cultures have proliferated, especially when related to Western-Muslim relations. But do such initiatives have any real impact on public opinion? Can they reduce the threat of tensions generated by extremist ideologies?
These are important questions for all who believe in building the conditions for long-term co-existence and peace. They are also important questions for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, an initiative that was launched three years ago by Spain and Turkey, and is now supported by more than 90 states and organizations, to help stave off the threat of polarization and extremism.
Political conflicts can only be solved through political dialogue. But the long-term resolution of tensions between Muslim and Western societies, for example, cannot be achieved as long as some of the egregious sources of hostility, whether the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq or elsewhere, are not successfully resolved.
Political talks and agreements rarely hold if they are not strongly backed by the communities involved. Many peace deals in the past have foundered because deep-seated suspicion and hostility remained, dividing people along cultural and religious lines, one of the best examples being the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Creating the necessary conditions for sustainable peace requires efforts of a different kind, aimed at generating a mind shift among divided communities. This can be achieved by instilling in people, particularly the young, the values of tolerance and respect for the “other .
People-to-people activities, also known as “city diplomacy , youth exchange programs and civic education all contribute to this goal.
These endeavors help pave the way towards successful political dialogue. Post conflict, they support the long and arduous process of reconciliation. And when the peaceful co-existence of different communities is being threatened by simmering tensions, these efforts can help prevent conflicts from developing in the first place.
Progress must be achieved on multiple levels. Government policies must be connected more closely with civil society initiatives aimed at reconciling divided societies. To that end, the Alliance of Civilizations is working closely with its network of 91 countries and countless international organizations to promote intercultural initiatives at national and regional levels.
Governments are developing national plans and building partnerships with civil society to support international student exchange programs, youth leadership training and intercultural education projects.
To encourage tolerance and understanding, we also need practical projects that promote collaboration among communities to meet relevant, local needs.
For example, in January, the Government of Qatar launched a $100 million youth employment initiative called Silatech. This ambitious project, which will tackle unemployment among young Arabs in the Middle East and offer them prospects for the future, has the backing of a global coalition of leading corporations, civil society and philanthropists.
This partnership transcends national, cultural and religious divides to help jumpstart job creation in a part of the world where 100 million jobs are needed over the next 20 years.
Silatech encourages Arab governments to be engaged on changing policies concerning youth unemployment. Civil society-led trainings will give youth new and much-needed skills to increase employability. Multilateral institutions and banks will issue micro-loans to help spur the spirit of entrepreneurship in the region.
This fascinating intra-Arab, inter-sectoral Muslim-Western partnership is currently being forged to make these goals a reality.
Equally important in paving the path toward sustainable peace is to address issues of prejudice and stereotypes that increase mistrust between people of various cultures.
Political dialogue can establish diplomatic relations, but true change occurs when people begin to look upon the “other as a partner in humanity.
The film industry plays an important role in shaping perceptions. With the support of three progressive Hollywood companies – including the company behind “Syriana and “An Inconvenient Truth – a $100 million media fund was created this year to support mainstream movie productions that challenge stereotypes of minorities.
According to Jordan’s Queen Noor, a co-founder of the fund, this initiative will “support the production and distribution of films that entertain as well as enlighten.
These are all long-term efforts. They will not bear fruit overnight.
However, their importance should not be underestimated. They are as essential to the process of building sustainable peace as mediation and hard-edged political negotiations. Indeed, they help lay the groundwork for political dialogue and provide the support that will make co-existence and peace more viable and sustainable.
Jorge Sampaiois the former President of the Portuguese Republic (1996-2006) and United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations. This article originally appeared in Ha’aretz and Press-Enterprise and was written for the Common Ground News Service (CGNews).
