UN Alliance of Civilizations Chair Launched at Euromed University in Fez

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Chair, the first of its kind globally, was officially inaugurated at the Euromed University in Fez.

The Chair is headed by Dr. Abdelhak Azouzi, a founding member and board member of the university and one of the most prominent Arab thinkers and writers.

The inauguration was attended by 1,800 participants, including André Azoulay, Advisor to King Mohammed VI; Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations; Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; and Dr. Abdelhaq Azouzi, among other distinguished global figures.

The Chair offers specialized university education in the field of the Alliance of Civilizations, including a master’s program focused on international conflict resolution and the Alliance of Civilizations.

The program attracts students from numerous countries and is taught by international judges, high-ranking officials from various organizations, academics, and experts worldwide.

The Chair also includes a doctoral school for students working on dissertations related to the Alliance of Civilizations. It conducts training, consulting, and international forums, aiming to inspire global youth towards positive theorization for the world's future.

As part of its activities, a study day was organized at the Moroccan Parliament, bringing together students from over 30 countries during the first African and Euro-Mediterranean Youth Summit of the Euromed University.

The event, held parallel to the 8th Summit of Parliamentary Presidents and the 17th Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean, addressed the theme: Euro-Mediterranean and Atlantic Openness: Facing Tomorrow’s Challenges Together. During this event, students discussed migration issues and presented a Future Appeal to state officials and parliamentarians in attendance, seeking their adoption.

Africa, the Arab region, and the Euro-Mediterranean space are in need of such youth, who represent future leaders with ideas and visions not found elsewhere.

Their voices must be heard, and they should be given the opportunity to engage with decision-makers in a world characterised by ambiguity, mistrust, uncertainty, and unpredictability.

Dr. Abdelhak Azouzi emphasized that the Chair and its sixty members from various countries believe that the Alliance of Civilizations is an inevitable necessity and a moral and humanitarian duty. It embodies the highest values of global civilization and balanced human character.

The Alliance of Civilizations fosters mutual understanding among peoples and communities, bringing civilizations closer together by focusing on commonalities rather than differences. It operates within the framework of objectivity and neutrality when addressing others, avoiding misrepresentation or harm.

Azouzi described the Alliance as the choice of the wise, a path for the prudent, and a shared human responsibility borne especially by decision-makers and intellectual elites worldwide. The ultimate goal is collective participation in building peace for both the present and the future.

Conflicts and clashes cause tragedies for individuals and nations, sowing hatred and animosity. The best alternative is dialogue, understanding, peaceful coexistence, respect for others' rights, and appreciation of diversity.

Harnessing the richness of different religions, cultures, and civilizations can build a dynamic and integrated human society.

Dr. Abdelhaq Azouzi, the Chair’s president, is a university professor specializing in international relations, strategy, and political science. He is a Moroccan thinker and academic, a founding member and board member of the Euromed University of Fez.

He has established and chaired several research and development institutions and contributed to international forums and recognised publications.

The establishment of this global Chair in Fez and at the Euromed University stems from the city’s historical role as a capital of the Alliance of Civilizations and cultural diversity.

Fez is home to the world’s oldest university, Al-Qarawiyyin, which has instilled civilizational values and universal principles essential for productive dialogue and mutual understanding.

On the sidelines of the inauguration, an international conference was organized under the theme: Rebuilding Trust for a Unified and Diverse World, aiming to achieve coexistence for a unified humanity.

The conference brought together prominent thinkers, statesmen, academics, decision-makers, and students from the Euromed University.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Khalid Al-Malik, Editor-in-Chief of the Saudi Al-Jazirah newspaper, highlighted the importance of collective action to restore trust in the future, strengthen confidence within societies, and revive trust as a fundamental pillar of international cooperation.

The Fez meetings addressed several key themes, including:

Building trust-based alliances for peace and creating harmonious, secure, and just societies.

Migration and international cooperation: Towards more humane and cohesive migration policies.

Transparency, accountability, and trust: Foundations for sustainable global governance.

Preventive diplomacy and international cooperation based on trust: Towards a safer world.

Building a smart future: Artificial intelligence in service of societies.

Cultural diversity and social harmony: Benefits of well-managed migration.

Khalid Al-Malik expressed gratitude to all participants and organizers, particularly Mustafa Bousmina, President of the Euromed University of Fez, and Dr. Abdelhak Azouzi, President of the UNAOC Chair.