Report By Humayun Kabir From Lisbon Portugal.
The 10th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Global Forum, held over three days in the picturesque city of Cascais, Portugal, brought together a diverse group of leaders and stakeholders under the theme “United in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future.” This significant event marked two decades of dialogue aimed at fostering understanding and cooperation among civilizations. With participation from Heads of State, Ministers, religious leaders, and representatives from various sectors, the forum addressed pressing global issues related to peace and security, emphasizing the need for trust and unity in a complex world.
On behalf of Bangladesh, the Adviser for Foreign Affairs Mr. Md Touhid Hossain participated and delivered his speech at the Global forum. In his address, the Adviser highlighted Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to peace and humanity. He emphasized the nation’s dedication to championing sustainability under the visionary Three Zeros roadmap by Nobel Laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus, which envisions Zero carbon emissions, Zero poverty, and Zero unemployment. The Adviser called for fostering dialogue, leveraging AI responsibly, and ensuring justice, equality, and sustainability for all civilizations. Mentioning about the continuation of genocide in Gaza with impunity, he urged collective efforts to create a future defined by harmony, mutual respect, and cooperation for generations to come.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Adviser for Foreign Affairs held discussions with Spanish Foreign Minister Mr. José Manuel Albares Bueno, Turkish Foreign Minister H.E. Hakan Fidan, and Portuguese Foreign Minister H.E. Paulo Rangel.
The meetings covered a range of topics of mutual interest, including enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as trade, infrastructure, railways, and investment. The leaders also emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties through high-level visits and collaborative initiatives. Key global and regional issues were addressed, including support for resolving the Rohingya crisis, challenges arising from Bangladesh’s LDC graduation, and the dire humanitarian situation caused by Israel’s aggression in Gaza and Lebanon. The discussions also underscored the need for coordinated efforts in multilateral platforms to tackle shared challenges and promote peace, security, and sustainable development.
While addressing in a another session of the UNAOC Global Conference on Safeguarding Religious Sites: A Multistakeholder Approach” in Cascais, Portugal. The Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain emphasized the need for international cooperation to combat threats to religious sites and disinformation campaigns that threaten interfaith unity. The adviser also highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and protecting religious diversity.
Md Touhid Hossain urged the international community to come together to address the increasing threats faced by religious sites around the world. He emphasized that these threats not only endanger the sanctity of religious spaces but also undermine the principles of interfaith unity and coexistence.
Representing Bangladesh at the conference, The Foreign Affairs Adviser reaffirmed the country’s dedication to safeguarding religious sites and promoting interfaith harmony. He articulated that Bangladesh stands firm in its commitment to peace and humanity, ensuring that all faiths are respected and protected.
During his address, the adviser shared a poignant example of unity in Bangladesh, where young Muslim students took it upon themselves to protect Hindu temples during a major festival. This act of solidarity exemplifies the spirit of peaceful coexistence that Bangladesh strives to promote among its diverse religious communities.
Md Touhid Hossain highlighted the government’s efforts to ensure equal respect for all faiths through inclusive policies. He noted that Bangladesh observes national holidays for various religious occasions, allowing citizens to celebrate their beliefs freely. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of transparency and open media access in fostering a culture of respect and understanding among different faiths.
The Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the conference reflect Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding religious sites and promoting interfaith harmony on a global scale. The call for collaboration and unity is essential in addressing the challenges faced by religious communities worldwide.
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