CASCAIS, PORTUGAL / ACCESSWIRE / November 27, 2024 / Ten grassroots initiatives were honored as recipients of the prestigious Intercultural Innovation Hub (IIH) during a Ceremony held in the framework of the 10th UNAOC Global Forum in Cascais, Portugal under the theme "United in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future - Reflecting on Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity". The Forum convened prominent figures, political leaders, UN officials including the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, as well as representatives from civil society, academia, and the private sector, to share insights and reflect on the 20 years of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations' impactful work. As one of the flagship initiatives of UNAOC in partnership with the BMW Group and implemented with the support of Accenture, the Intercultural Innovation Hub was celebrated as a major highlight of this global event - showcasing how IIH has been recognizing and supporting grassroots initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue, and contribute to peace, cultural diversity, and inclusive societies.

This year, organizations from Austria, Botswana, Canada, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Peru, the United States of America and Zambia were selected from over 1,800 entries worldwide. Their projects range from fostering diversity and inclusion, promoting gender equality and women's empowerment, and advancing art, culture and sports for social change.

"We are committed to advancing inclusive, global communities by empowering grassroots initiatives that champion diversity and social cohesion. The Intercultural Innovation Hub showcases innovative projects that directly address these goals, and we are immensely proud of the collaboration between UNAOC and the private sector. Together, we continue to amplify the transformative work of social innovators globally, whose dedication and forward-thinking approaches are driving lasting positive change toward a more united and inclusive world," said Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for UNAOC.

"With the Intercultural Innovation Hub, we celebrate outstanding initiatives implemented by extraordinary individuals who are working to bridge intercultural divisions in innovative and impactful ways," said Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG People and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director. "We at the BMW Group believe that diversity not only enhances our company, but it is also the very foundation on which our success is built. That is why we are so proud of our strong partnership with the UNAOC. This collaboration enables us to recognize some of the remarkable cross-cultural work being done worldwide."

"The Intercultural Innovation Hub provides a unique opportunity to drive change through innovation and collaboration. Since 2018, we have been proud to offer our expertise, practical training, and mentorship programs to empower global change-makers, helping them develop and scale their ideas for positive impact," said Roland Mayr, Accenture Senior Managing Director.

The following recipients will receive funding along with a comprehensive 12-month capacity-building and mentoring programme:

• Breaking Grounds - Social Change Through Sport (Austria) - Kicken ohne Grenzen - Empowering Youth through Football

• Circus Zambia (Zambia) - Social Circus for Social Change

• Devatop Centre for Africa Development (Nigeria) - TALKAM Human Rights Initiative

• Global Nomads Group (USA) - Content Creation Lab

• International Centre for Peace, Human Rights and Development in Africa (Kenya) - Youth and Young Women Leaders Mediation and Regional Advocacy Initiatives

• Profonanpe (Peru) - Building Capacity of Indigenous Leaders on Climate Change

• Shreeja India (India) - Football and Beyond

• Yayasan Kota Kita Surakarta (Indonesia) - Surakarta Space Shaper: Empowering Children to design Child-friendly and Inclusive City

• Yellowhead Indigenous Education Foundation (Canada) - Exploring Wâhkôhtowin

• Young Minds Africa Trust (Botswana) - Model Parliament Africa

Learn more about the 2024 Intercultural Innovation Hub Ceremony:

https://interculturalinnovation.org/2024-ceremony/

Media Inquiries:

- Milena Pighi, TeamLead and Spokesperson Corporate Citizenship, BMW Group, Milena.PA.Pighi@bmw.de

- Mr. Alessandro Girola, Chief, Programming and Projects Unit, UNAOC, alessandro.girola@un.org

SOURCE: UNAOC