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Adel Al-Jubeir outlined the importance Saudi Arabia attaches to dialogue and coexistence among followers of different religions and civilizations when he spoke at the meeting on the margins of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The minister praised the Alliance for spreading a culture of understanding, combating hate speech and contributing to the preservation of religious sites and cultural heritage. Saudi Press Agency reporting on the address noted that the Kingdom backs these efforts because it views respect for religions and cultural diversity as essential foundations for global security and stability.
Al-Jubeir recalled Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 11th UNAOC Global Forum in Riyadh in December 2025, which drew wide international participation and allowed a review of the organization’s achievements over the two decades since its establishment. A United Nations founding document from 2005 places the launch of the Alliance in response to growing calls for cross-cultural bridges amid global tensions. The minister stressed the need to implement the forum’s final declaration recommendations through renewed collective multilateral action, respect for international law and sustained dialogue among religions and cultures.
The Saudi minister described dialogue as the most successful means to preserve diversity, prevent conflicts, spread tolerance, build cohesive societies and establish peace. In his statement, Al-Jubeir reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to contributing to the constructive efforts led by the Alliance of Civilizations. He expressed Saudi Arabia’s willingness to work alongside the organization, its member states and concerned partners to advance a culture of peace, tolerance, coexistence and mutual respect.
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations maintains a Group of Friends that now exceeds 160 members, including 130 UN member states, one non-member state and 29 international organizations, according to the office of the High Representative for UNAOC. Annual high-level meetings of the group typically assess progress on the Alliance’s plan of action and coordinate preparations for global forums. The 2026 session followed the Riyadh gathering that had reviewed two decades of work since the initiative’s inception under then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Saudi Arabia has participated actively in UNAOC activities, including through support for related interfaith platforms such as the King Abdullah International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue based in Vienna. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework incorporates elements of cultural openness that complement these international engagements. Al-Jubeir’s address highlighted how the Riyadh forum served as a platform to showcase practical steps taken globally to strengthen mutual understanding since the Alliance began operations.
