New York – 21-22 April 2015


Introduction

The President of the General Assembly in conjunction with the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations  convened a High-Level General Assembly Thematic Debate on “Promoting Tolerance and Reconciliation: Fostering Peaceful, Inclusive Societies and Countering Violent Extremism”, held on 21-22 April 2015 at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The world is experiencing profound and complex challenges, including the rise of radicalization and violent extremism, against a backdrop of identity-based conflicts, cultural and religious tensions. Countering these challenges and the threat they pose to populations around the world call for the use of a wide range of approaches to promote tolerance and reconciliation, respect for cultural diversity and freedom of belief, thought and expression. Among these approaches, dialogue – including among religious leaders – is a critical tool for fostering peaceful, inclusive societies that reinforce shared human values and a sense of common humanity.

Global efforts to promote tolerance, reconciliation and the values of diversity benefit immensely from collective and inclusive approaches built on trust, dialogue and collaboration and complemented by relevant national and regional efforts. Addressing the drivers of violent extremism calls for a renewed focus on good governance, rule of law, sustainable development, respect for human rights, accountable institutions, the equitable delivery of services, the role of youth, women and marginalized and disenfranchised communities, education and inclusivity in the political process as well as economic and social marginalization.

This high-level thematic debate was an occasion to strengthen the collective resolve of Member States and other stakeholders to counter the forces that fuel radicalization and violent extremism. The first day provided Member States with the opportunity to discuss practical strategies to foster peaceful, inclusive societies and to counter the threat of radicalization and violent extremism.

The second day was centered on interfaith dialogue, featuring high-level statements and interactive panel discussions with faith leaders on community engagement aimed at countering violent extremism. It also focused on the role of faith leaders in promoting tolerance for diversity, freedom of expression and human rights.

Objective

The main objective of the high-level thematic debate was to provide an opportunity for Member States and faith leaders, along with other stakeholders to share experiences and to address key issues and challenges relating to the promotion of tolerance and reconciliation with the aim of fostering peaceful and inclusive societies and countering violent extremism. These include:

  1. What practical strategies can be devised to counter the threat of radicalization through people-centered and inclusive measures and avoid exclusionary approaches at local, national, regional and international levels?
  2. What measures can be pursued to promote the importance of religious, cultural, gender and social diversity in positively fostering peaceful and inclusive societies?
  3. What roles can specific actors and sectors of societies, such as women and youth, education and the media, play in promoting inclusive approaches to tolerance and reconciliation and countering violent extremism?
  4. How can the Member States, United Nations and other stakeholders effectively support means to promote tolerance and reconciliation, including through actions aimed at conflict prevention and early detection of human rights violations?
  5. What measures can be taken to stop extremists from recruiting individuals or groups to carry out terrorist acts?
  6. How can religious and community leaders engage at the local level to reach people who might be vulnerable to radicalization?
  7. How can specific actors, including faith leaders, take the lead in unmasking and rejecting the misuse of religion as a justification for violent extremism?
  8. How can religious leaders promote tolerance for diversity, freedom of expression and human rights?
  9. How can religious leaders promote the sustainable development goals in local communities in order to address the conditions conducive to the spread of violent extremism?

Format, Outcome and Participants

This high-level thematic debate took place over the course of two days; the first day consisted of an opening session, a high-level plenary and an interactive panel discussion focusing on practical strategies for fostering peaceful, inclusive societies and countering violent extremism.

The second day included high-level interventions from faith leaders followed by two interactive panel discussions, focusing on:

  1. reaching people at the community level; and
  2. highlighting a counter-narrative that emphasizes tolerance for diversity, freedom of expression and human rights.

The outcome is a President’s summary PDF, which was circulated to all Member States and stakeholders.

Documents

21 April

Statements
Webcast

22 April

Statements
Webcast

Links