United Nations Alliance of Civilizations

**About Us** The **United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)** was [established in 2005](https://www.unaoc.org/who-we-are/history/), as the political initiative of [Mr. Kofi Annan](https://www.unaoc.org/who-we-are/timeline/), former UN Secretary-General and co-sponsored by the Governments of Spain and Türkiye. A **[High-Level Group](https://www.unaoc.org/who-we-are/high-level-group/)** [of experts](https://www.unaoc.org/who-we-are/high-level-group/) was formed by Mr. Annan to explore the roots of polarization between societies and cultures today, and to recommend a practical programme of action to address this issue. The Report of the High-Level Group provided analysis and put forward practical recommendations that form the basis for the implementation plan of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. On 7 January 2019, **[H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos](https://www.unaoc.org/who-we-are/high-representative/)** assumed the position of **[High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations](https://www.unaoc.org/who-we-are/high-representative/)**, succeeding **H.E. Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser**, who succeeded **H.E. Mr. Jorge Sampaio**. The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations **[High Representative](https://www.unaoc.org/who-we-are/governance-and-leadership/)** and [**Secretariat**](https://www.unaoc.org/who-we-are/secretariat/) are based and operating from New York. The Alliance maintains a global network of partners including states, international and regional organizations, civil society groups, foundations, and the private sector to improve cross-cultural relations between diverse nations and communities. In its 2006 report, the High-Level Group identified [five priority areas](https://www.unaoc.org/what-we-do/) for action: *Education, Youth, Migration, Media, and Women as peace mediators*. [UNAOC project activities](https://www.unaoc.org/what-we-do/projects/) are fashioned around these four areas, which can play a critical role in helping to reduce cross-cultural tensions and to build bridges between communities.