27 September 2024, UNHQ, New York – Hon. Pedro Roque (Portugal), PAM Vice-President and President of the 3rd Standing Committee, represented the Assembly at the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Group of Friends’ High-Level Meeting on Global Cooperation, organized during the high-level week of the 79th UN General Assembly.
The event gathered delegates from UN Member States, Observers, intergovernmental organizations and specialized agencies, as well as representatives of non-governmental and civil society organizations.
The Under-Secretary-General Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for UNAOC, chaired the meeting, and opening remarks were delivered by H.E. Mr. José Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain; H.E. Mr. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye; and H.E. Mr. Paulo Rangel, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of Portugal, who will host the 10th UNAOC Global Forum next November.
In his intervention, Hon. Roque underscored the longstanding and fruitful partnership between PAM and UNAOC. This collaboration has significantly contributed to advancing intercultural dialogue and cooperation, which are essential tools for fostering peace, security, and mutual understanding across the PAM regions, and beyond. He noted that, in light of the escalating global tensions – including the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, and the crises in the Middle East and Sudan, the instrument of parliamentary diplomacy is more critical than ever.
Hon. Roque further emphasized the crucial role played by parliamentarians in oversighting the transparency and effectiveness of multilateral institutions of governance, ensuring that they are not only equitable, but also adhere to the foundational principles enshrined in the UN Charter,
as well as to the provisions of International Law and Agreements. Through its active participation in international fora, PAM continues to serve as a key partner in promoting the credibility of global governance structures.
During the meeting, Mr. Moratinos presented the UNAOC Plan of Action for 2024-2026, highlighting key achievements and progress made by the Alliance, as well as discussing critical issues that jeopardize efforts to achieve peace and stability, such as hate speech and discrimination campaigns.
The meeting also laid the groundwork for the upcoming 10th UNAOC Global Forum, scheduled to take place in Cascais, Portugal, from 25 to 27 November 2024.
PAM remains committed to supporting the implementation of the UNAOC’s Action Plan for 2024-2026 and ensuring the promotion of peace, cultural understanding, and gender equality at both international and regional level. //