In an impassioned call for unity, over 1,800 participants at the 10th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations emphasized the urgent need for peace and mutual understanding in a world fraught with challenges. “We need peace and mutual understanding now more than ever before,” they declared at the forum’s conclusion on Wednesday.

The three-day event, hosted in Cascais, Portugal, attracted delegates from more than 150 countries and was marked by robust discussions on global challenges, from artificial intelligence (AI) to entrenched conflicts.

The forum culminated with the adoption of the Cascais Declaration, a document described as “the commitment of all of us” by Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the UN Alliance.

“This was a forum of listening, learning, and mutual respect,” Moratinos said at the closing session. Announcing that the 11th Global Forum will take place in Saudi Arabia, he noted the gathering’s unifying spirit, saying, “There was a strong call for peace, putting an end to violence and conflict, and calls for diversity and fighting against discrimination.”

Adopted unanimously on Tuesday, the Cascais Declaration outlines 25 pledges to foster peace and address 21st-century challenges.

These include leveraging AI to enhance intercultural and interreligious dialogue, combating hate speech and misinformation, and promoting intergenerational dialogue to advance sustainable development and human rights.

The forum also spotlighted youth participation, with a global gathering of young leaders sharing insights on building peaceful communities. Moratinos hailed their contributions, emphasizing the importance of integrating diverse voices into global conversations.

Among those making a mark was Suri Jera, 15, a representative of the Guarani Indigenous Peoples from Brazil.

Jera’s community faces racism and what she calls “invisibility” in daily life, but she sees the forum as a platform for change. “The United Nations has a voice for people like us who are suffering,” she said.

Jera’s appearance at the PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival, where her documentary Mundos Cruzados (Crossing Worlds) on xenophobia was recognized, highlighted the role of storytelling in confronting discrimination. “Forums like this are essential to build partnerships,” she added.

A Shared Vision for Peace

For first-time attendee Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia, 85, co-chair of the Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation, the forum was an opportunity to witness global collaboration in action.

He reflected on the importance of peace, noting, “Only yesterday, I heard the news about a ceasefire [in Israel and Lebanon]. When you’re talking about peace, vibrations can move out to other places.”

Ahluwalia questioned the feasibility of progress in conflict-ridden areas, particularly Gaza. “What development can occur without peace? Who does not want peace?” he asked.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed these sentiments during a media briefing alongside Portugal’s Prime Minister in Lisbon. Reflecting on the Lebanon ceasefire, Guterres described it as “the first ray of hope for peace that I received in the midst of the darkness of recent months.”

The event was not only about discussing peace but also about action. Participants pledged to bring the positive energy and shared messages from the forum back to their communities worldwide.

The Cascais Declaration emphasizes that peace is more than a distant goal—it is a continuous commitment. The document’s focus on AI, combating misinformation, and fostering intergenerational dialogue reflects a forward-thinking approach to diplomacy.

Moratinos described the declaration as a living framework, stating, “It is not just a document. It is the commitment of all of us.”

As the forum concluded, it became evident that its participants were united in their belief that collaboration, respect, and inclusivity are essential to achieving lasting peace. The 11th Global Forum in Saudi Arabia will build upon these foundations, striving to turn dialogue into transformative action.