UN Recognizes World's First Chair for Alliance of Civilizations at EuroMed University of Fes
Israa Farhan
As part of the recent meeting of the High-level Advisory Council of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), held in Marrakech, the President of the EuroMed University of Fes, Prof. Mostapha Bousmina, and the President of the Alliance of Civilizations Chair, Prof. Abdelhak Azzouzi—who is also a founding member and a Board Member of the Euromed University of Fes—presented the Chair's activities to UNAOC officials.
These were unanimously praised by members of this United Nations body.
In light of the Chair's significant accomplishments, UNAOC decided to formally label the Chair established at the EuroMed University of Fes as: "The United Nations Chair for the Alliance of Civilizations." This is a one-of-a-kind Chair globally, grounded in the values of both the UNAOC and the Euromed University of Fes.
Among the distinguished personalities present at the meeting were:
His Excellency Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, USG, UNAOC High Representative; His Excellency Mr. Amre Moussa, (Chair of the High-Level Advisory Council) Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Former Secretary-General of the League of Arab States; Her Excellency Ms. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, Former President of the Republic of Croatia; Her Excellency Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa, President of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ecuador; Her Excellency Ms. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Former European Commissioner for External Relations; His Excellency Mr. Egemen Bağış, Former Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye in the Czech Republic, Former Minister for European Union Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye; Ms. Nihal Saad, UNAOC Director; Mr. Ammar Abdelwahed Al Khudairy, Founding Chairman, Amwal Capital Partners; Dr. Elkhalil M. Binebine, Moroccan Businessman; Ms. Mehrangez Rafieva, Head of Administration, UNAOC, among many other notable figures.
This historic decision is of great significance and symbolism. It affirms this unique Chair as a key academic institution for education and research in the field of the Alliance of Civilizations—an area inherently tied to Morocco's history and the values it embodies.
To enhance its operational effectiveness and ensure the visibility its mission requires, the United Nations Chair for the Alliance of Civilizations has launched an accredited Master's program titled 'Conflict Resolution and Alliance of Civilizations', as well as an accredited Doctoral Training Program, both officially aproved by Morocco's Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation.
In the same spirit, the Chair has become a hub of academic production, as evidenced by numerous newly published books and scholarly journals. It also serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas, dialogue, and debate—where young students from over fifty nationalities engage in forward-thinking discussions on the future of societies and peaceful coexistence.
Among the Chair's initiatives were the Euro-Mediterranean and African Youth SUMMIT, held on February 14, 2024, at the Moroccan Parliament, on the sidelines of the General Assembly of the Parliaments of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM). During this event, youth from thirty countries debated key challenges facing the Euro-Mediterranean and African regions and jointly drafted and presented a 'Call for the Future' to the presidents of the member parliaments of the UfM.
The Chair also organized a major event on December 6–7, 2024, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, featuring conferences, discussions, and exchanges on the topic of the Alliance of Civilizations, with participation from numerous international personalities and approximately 1,600 students.
In many respects, the organization of these events by the Chair reflects its full alignment with Morocco's widely recognized vision for peace, and with UNAOC's ongoing strategic actions to promote values of mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
It is worth recalling that the 'Alliance of Civilizations Chair' was first announced during the 9th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, held in Fez on November 22–23, 2022, during a joint press conference by H.E. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, and H.E. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative of the United Nations for the UNAOC.
This initiative is rooted in the Royal Message addressed to forum participants, in which His Majesty stated: 'That the Alliance of Civilizations should meet in Fez is perfectly natural. Did Morocco not have the privilege and honor of being one of the founding members of the Alliance? Is Fez not the spiritual capital of a Kingdom steeped in history? Is the Al-Quarawiyin University in Fez not the oldest university in the world - the place where Muslim and Jewish scholars, and even a pontiff, completed their instruction? Today, is its Euro-Mediterranean University not shaping a space for academic and intercultural dialogue between the two shores of the Mediterranean? Clearly, Fez is the very incarnation of a fruitful alliance of civilizations.'
This Royal message strongly underscores that intercultural dialogue and the Alliance of Civilizations should not be treated as a rhetorical exercise, but rather as a new paradigm to be developed through academic research and education.
UNAOC leadership, under the guidance of H.E. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, welcomed the continued efforts of the United Nations Chair for the Alliance of Civilizations and pledged full UN support to ensure the success of its mission.
read more
Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685
NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria
Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO
Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided
News
Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks
News
Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank
News
Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region
News
One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid
News
Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers
News
Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia
Lifestyle
Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe
News
Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content
Arts & Culture
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized
Videos & Features
Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO)
Sports
Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer
Sports
Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
News
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies
Arts & Culture
New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
See - Sada Elbalad
18 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
China Offers EU Strategic Trade Deal: Rare Earth Metals in Exchange for EV Market Access
Ahmed Emam Behind closed doors in the heart of Paris, high-stakes negotiations unfolded this week that could reshape the future of East-West trade. China, which controls over 90% of the global production of rare earth elements, has presented a strategic proposal to the European Union: open up the European market to Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in exchange for stable access to critical raw materials. The offer, dubbed a potential 'green channel' for Chinese EVs, comes amid intensifying trade tensions between Beijing and Brussels, particularly over issues of pricing and subsidies in the clean energy sector. China's Ministry of Commerce confirmed in a statement that discussions over pricing commitments in the EV sector have reached a 'critical stage,' though further effort is needed from both sides to reach a final deal. The negotiations took place during a meeting between Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis. While the focus was primarily on electric vehicles, trade friction has expanded to include other sectors — especially French products, which have faced new Chinese restrictions in retaliation for EU anti-dumping investigations. Despite the strain, sources familiar with the talks revealed that a preliminary agreement has been reached regarding these disputed French goods, pending final approval ahead of a scheduled EU-China summit in July. The timing of these discussions is particularly significant, as they come on the eve of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic and economic relations between China and the European Union. The upcoming summit is widely viewed as a pivotal moment: a chance to either reset the tone of economic cooperation or open a new chapter of competition and mistrust. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
See - Sada Elbalad
18 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
28 Injured as Israeli Airstrikes Target Aid Distribution Point Near Nuseirat
Ahmed Emam At least 28 Palestinians were injured early Monday morning after Israeli warplanes struck areas near a humanitarian aid distribution point close to the Nuseirat checkpoint in central Gaza, according to local media citing Al-Awda Hospital. Eyewitnesses reported that the airstrike and live fire targeted crowds gathering to receive food and essential supplies in a region already devastated by months of conflict and siege. The injured were rushed to nearby medical facilities amid ongoing efforts by local volunteers and emergency workers to assist the wounded. Palestinian civil society leader Rateeba Al-Natsheh, a member of the National Popular Action Committee, condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate tactic by Israeli forces to terrorize civilians and weaponize hunger. 'Israel has adopted a strategy aimed at subduing Gaza's population not through military defeat—because they know they cannot achieve that—but through starvation and manipulation of humanitarian aid,' Al-Natsheh said. 'This is a systematic attempt to force the displacement of over two million Palestinians and consolidate control over more territory.' Monday's attack is one of a series of incidents in which aid convoys or distribution centers have been hit, sparking renewed outcry from humanitarian organizations and calls for international intervention to protect civilians and ensure safe access to food and medical supplies. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, with shortages of water, food, medicine, and electricity affecting virtually every resident. The United Nations and aid agencies have repeatedly warned of the risk of famine and called for an immediate ceasefire to allow for sustained humanitarian relief. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Watani
a day ago
- Watani
In Gaza and Ukraine: US and Europe fail
Months have passed since Donald Trump became President of the US, and political analysts and observers anticipated the termination of conflict, chaos and devastation in Gaza and Ukraine, but no peace has so far materialised. At the same time, the world has been attempting to tackle the ramifications of the trade wars President Trump has been waging on several fronts, wars that are giving birth to some new bi- or multi-polar global order that promises to replace the uni-polar American system that has been leading the world since WWII. I wrote in detail on this topic in my last editorial, under the title 'US declines… New world order arises'. I also shed light on the rise of China and the BRICS alliance which have together gone above and beyond the US and its European allies in their G7 alliance. One cannot help wondering why a resolution of the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine is staggering. American political scientist and international relations scholar John Mearsheimer discussed this very matter on 22 May with Andrew Napolitano on the latter's podcast Judging Freedom. Professor Mearsheimer is the R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor at University of Chicago. Following are excerpts from the interview: Judge Napolitano: Do you believe the Western press about the rift between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu? Professor Mearsheimer: 'I don't think there's a serious rift. I think there's no question that Trump wants to do a number of things in the Middle East that Netanyahu does not want him to do. But the question is whether Trump is willing to get tough enough with Netanyahu. The two issues here are: Iran where Trump wants to cut a deal and Netanyahu is basically making it impossible for him to cut a deal. Then the other issue is Gaza where I believe that the Trump administration would like to put an end to what's going on in terms of the genocide in Gaza, but Netanyahu and the lobby won't let him.' Secretary General of the UN for Humanitarian and Relief Affairs Tom Fletcher said earlier this week that 14,000 Gazan babies would die of starvation or malnutrition by the end of this week… So it's clear that the Israelis are in favour of the starvation of children and are using it as a weapon with which to conquer Gaza. 'It's not just these particular leaders who support this policy, in the side of Israel you hardly see any protests among the Israeli public regarding this genocidal policy. It's truly shocking! And when you look at what the Western elites are doing, they're hardly doing anything to prevent it. It's just truly amazing! It's sick! I don't know what else to say. I didn't think anything like this would ever happen, but it is happening.' Switching gears, what is your take on the Trump Putin phone call? Do the Americans understand the Russian mentality? 'I don't know if it really is necessary to understand the Russian mentality. Common sense tells you that if the Russians are winning on the battlefield and a ceasefire will give the Ukrainians an opportunity to regroup and improve their position on the battlefield, the Russians would be nuts to agree to a ceasefire. And the Russians have made it clear that they're not going to agree to a ceasefire. They have said this for months now, they keep saying: 'We won't accept a ceasefire until all the elements of a peace agreement are in place'. But we refuse to listen to them…. My sense is that, after Monday's conversation between Trump and Putin, Trump understands that calling for a ceasefire is fruitless.' How close is Ukraine to the end game? 'There's no question when you look at what's happening on the battlefield that every week the situation deteriorates, and the Ukrainians surely know that at some point in time all that weaponry and all that money that was in the Biden pipeline is going to evaporate. And Trump has made it clear that he's not going to go back to Congress and do what Biden did before him. So not only are the Ukrainians going to continue to lose, the situation's going to deteriorate further. It's hard to imagine the Ukrainians hanging on until the end of this year.' Why is Ukraine the West's fault? 'It's very simple; the Russians made it clear when we first announced that Ukraine was going to become a member of NATO in April 2008, that they viewed this as an 'existential threat'… Putin told us in April 2008 that he would wreck Ukraine before he would let it come into NATO. Nevertheless the West, and here we're talking mainly about the United States, continued to push forward to bring Ukraine into NATO. In February 2014, a crisis broke out and what did the United States do? It simply doubled down… We continued to push hard, and in February 2022, the war that is now taking place broke out. Therefore we [the US] are principally responsible because we push NATO expansion into Ukraine, which is the major cause of this war.' To what end did we push NATO expansion into Ukraine? 'Well, we thought we could get away with it and we wanted to create a NATO that covered all of Europe right up to Russia's border. We had gotten away with the 2004 expansion, included the Baltic States and we thought we could do the same with Ukraine… We thought it was perfectly acceptable to have Ukraine and Georgia and other countries that were part of the former Soviet Union in NATO.' Once came this attitude that we could use Ukraine as a battering ram with which to drive Vladimir Putin from office, this Victoria Nuland theory, where did it come from? 'I think that we believed that once the war started we could defeat the Russians. If you look at the three months before the war started, that is December 2021, January 2022 and most of February 2022, it's very clear that the Russians were trying to cut a deal with us and to avoid war. We did virtually nothing to avoid a war. 'The war starts and the Russians immediately reach out to the Ukrainians to talk about negotiations to end the war, the Russians want to end it, the Ukrainians agree. The famous negotiations in Istanbul start, and as you well know who ends those negotiations? It's not the Ukrainians, not the Russians; it's the Americans and the British in the form of Boris Johnson who comes in and tells the Ukrainians that they should walk away from the negotiations… We thought we could defeat the Russians, this is why we didn't try to prevent the war, and why once it started we didn't go along with Putin's efforts to stop the war. We thought we had the Russians and Putin right where we wanted them… Furthermore economic sanctions would deliver a really staggering blow to the Russians, and that combination of economic sanctions plus defeat on the battlefield would knock the Russians out of the ranks of the great powers… Of course we were categorically wrong, one could say catastrophically wrong, and the people who are paying the price for our foolishness are the Ukrainians.' Truth on the ground is that President Putin was able to successfully lead Russia politically and militarily, and was able to turn the economic sanctions into wins when he opened new fronts with China and his new allies. This jeopardised the plans of the US and its European allies. But what is the hope for the future of the conflict in Ukraine? One wonders along with Judge Napolitano. According to Professor Mearsheimer, there is no hope in negotiations owing to the firm conditions that Russia has put in place, including Ukraine's neutrality and its never joining the EU nor NATO, in addition to an international recognition of the affiliation of Crimea and the four oblasts to Russia. Given these conditions, it looks like Russia is sitting in the driver's seat and it would not trust any negotiations. 'I think Trump is going to walk away, and this one's going to be settled on the battlefield,' Professor Mearsheimer said. Watani International 6 June 2025 Comments comments
