Inspiring Remarks by Under-Secretary-General Miguel Ángel Moratinos
A Call for Unity at the IPU Conference on Interfaith Dialogue
Italian Chamber of Deputies, Rome – 20 June 2025
**Distinguished Attendees,**
Today, as I stand before you in this historic chamber, I feel a profound sense of privilege. This space embodies **the voices, hopes, and aspirations of countless individuals** across the globe.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Martin Chugong, Secretary General of IPU, for his generous invitation to this esteemed gathering. **Together, we convene at a crucial juncture, where our world grapples with an array of formidable challenges.** From **wars** and **mass displacement** to the alarmingly rising tide of **hate speech** and **religious intolerance**, these issues threaten to unravel the very fabric of our societies.
As UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia and Monitor Antisemitism, I am unwaveringly dedicated to **confronting all forms of hatred**, regardless of faith or belief.
**The Courage of Dialogue**
In these testing times, engaging in dialogue — across diverse faiths, beliefs, and ideologies — becomes an act of **courage**, a beacon of **hope**. It serves as a potent reminder that **trust is not simply handed out; it is meticulously constructed**, one conversation at a time.
At the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, we view **intercultural and interfaith dialogue** as our essential mission. Our guiding motto, **”Many Cultures, One Humanity,”** encapsulates our unwavering commitment. It is through dialogue, in all its forms, that we nurture our hope for **peace**.
When UNAOC was established in 2005, it was a response to a dangerous narrative suggesting that civilizations were on an irreversible path of conflict. But today, **two decades later, we champion a vision rooted in mutual respect and shared values**, grounded in the profound belief that our **diversity is our greatest strength**.
**A Call to Parliamentarians**
**Honorable representatives,** you are on the frontline of this transformative effort. You craft the **laws that safeguard our fundamental rights**, including the vital freedom of religion or belief, enshrined in the **Universal Declaration of Human Rights**.
It is your role to cultivate the political will necessary to uphold human rights for everyone, while demonstrating through actions and words that respect for diversity is not a threat to unity, but its very foundation.
**Moving Beyond Tolerance**
Today’s gathering challenges us to transcend mere tolerance and journey towards **genuine mutual respect and understanding**. It implores us to truly listen, fostering an environment where common ground can flourish.
- **Engage in meaningful dialogue** rather than settling for monologue.
- **Build bridges** instead of erecting walls.
- **Deconstruct bigotry** and demystify the “other.”
- **Embed empathy** within our judgments and actions.
As **divisive narratives** and dehumanizing rhetoric frequently dominate public discourse—and as digital platforms amplify these voices of fear and animosity—events like this shine brightly. They deliver a powerful message: **dialogue has the power to heal**, and a shared future remains within our reach.
**Embracing Hope Together**
Let us depart from this conference with renewed determination:
- To **strengthen trust** not just within and among religions, but across **political**, **social**, and **cultural** divides.
- To **embrace hope**, not as an unrealistic impulse, but as a conscious decision to strive for a world grounded in **dignity, equality, and peace**.
**Thank you for your dedication to this vital cause. Let us move forward together, inspired and united.**
For more on interfaith dialogue and combating intolerance, consider exploring resources from the **United Nations** and organizations focused on **human rights advocacy**. Together, we can make a difference.
