Only dialogue and tolerance open a path towards a better future, writes Jorge Sampaio* When in 2006 the United Nations launched the "Alliance of Civilisations" many preferred to compare it to a half-empty glass rather than to a half-full one. It was received with some scepticism for various reasons. Either because it lay itself open to the very theories of a clash of civilisations that it was intended, but was unable, to combat; or because it added to a plethora of existing initiatives; or because its aims were completely disproportionate to the scant means at its disposal; or because, within the framework of the global fight against terrorism, it sounded more like heavenly music than the bugle-call of foreign policy. In May 2007, when I was appointed high representative, my motto was caution; confidence was my battle cry and certainty that the Alliance would fill a political void my epigraph. The first forum of the Alliance of Civilisations is to be held in Madrid next week. It will bring together a wide range of people from the four corners of the world: representatives of national governments, international organisations, foundations, academic centres, NGOs, religious leaders, confessional groups, entrepreneurs, youth and the media. The expectation surrounding the forum is threefold: it will mark a strong moment in the commitment of governments and of the international community to invest in the Alliance as a global space of governance of cultural diversity -- a pillar of sustainable development; it will be a laboratory for partnerships and for the launch of joint fieldwork involving practical projects in the areas of education, youth, the media and migration; and it will mobilise public opinion around the Alliance so as to turn it into an initiative open to citizen participation. At the Madrid forum, therefore, the Alliance will gain new drive that, I hope, will mark its definitive transition towards concrete, practical fieldwork. A great deal of its future will be decided in 2008. Either we will be able to anchor the Alliance in existing regional processes and agendas (the European Union, the Arab League, the Organisation of the Islamic conference, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Ibero- America, the African Union, the Council of Europe, as examples), or we will founder in the cape of good intentions. Either we will be able to include its vision in the internal agendas of states, or we will be left standing in the empty field of rhetoric and debate. Either we will succeed in mobilising civil society or we will lose our chance to make small improvements that bring fresh hope to the people. In this world so marked by profound imbalances, it is not just the biosphere that is showing signs of advanced degradation, but also our human atmosphere. Nevertheless, if we unite our efforts we will be able to improve dialogue across mankind; turn cultural and religious diversity into an opportunity for true, sustainable development of societies worldwide. We know that the history of nations, of religions and of civilisations is made up of light and darkness; that periods of peace have alternated with periods of war; moments of confrontation, conflict and intolerance with a will for dialogue, for openness to our fellow men -- for a culture of difference, tolerance and universal values. The complex, demanding dialogue of civilisations, cultures and religions is necessary, possible and fruitful. It is the best counterpoint for isolation, mistrust and confrontation, and also the most powerful incentive to openness, understanding and tolerance. But it is not easy, and if not taught and cultivated gives way to extremist and fanatical urges, or silence. To be sure, at times, cultures tend to affirm their identities through confrontation. And cultural peculiarities, legitimised by religious or ethnic factors, have acted as vectors of conflict and domination. Each civilisation, each religion and each culture, within itself, must therefore be tolerant and recognise freedom of conscience and the right to difference. The complex international situation created in the wake of 11 September, as well as other terrorist attacks that have constantly marked this decade, has turned dialogue between civilisations, religions and cultures into a matter of urgency. Therefore, the Alliance of Civilisations is the right initiative, at the right time. Together we shall work to ensure that it will also bring about the right results -- not some day, but right now, at next week's forum. Let us work that it be so! * The writer is UN high representative for the Alliance of Civilisations.
