The religious and national extremism and intolerance have started a “third world war being fought piecemeal” in the world, whether in the East or West, said Miguel Ángel Moratinos, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), in an exclusive interview with TRENDS.
“Unfortunately, these signs (extremism) have become painfully obvious in several parts of the world, leading to many tragic circumstances, such as those in which the precise number of victims, widows, and orphans is unknown,” Moratinos said. “The world has an urgent need for mutual respect, solidarity, and understanding.”
Moratinos has also been designated by the United Nations Secretary-General as the UN Focal Point to monitor anti-Semitism and enhance a system-wide response. He is also one of the committee members for the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2023. The award is named in honour of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.
Established in February 2019, the award was inspired by the co-signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr. Ahmed Al Tayeb, in Abu Dhabi.
“There is a lack of sincere dialogue between religions,” Moratinos said. “However, it is critical at this time to address all faiths and confessions around the world.”
Moratinos pointed out that Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar have made progress in bridging the gap between east and west cultures.
“I think they understand that now is the time for a full and sincere dialogue that recognizes and understands the other, comprehends the challenges, and really respects the other,” he said. “So their initiative is attempting to raise awareness of what Christianity, Islam, or any other religion is and to respect each confessional faith, then focusing on the similarities and how to live together.”
Talking about the challenges that the world faces today in promoting human fraternity, . Moratinos said that there are many. “We are in the twenty-first century, and as a result, science has evolved in terms of knowledge and new scientific, biological, and medical technological discoveries,” he said. “However, we have yet to make significant progress in terms of living. So the world faces two major challenges: saving the planet and saving humanity.”
Moratinos said the most important thing in the world is to save humanity. “And if you save humanity, you will save the planet; if you do not save humanity, you will not save the planet and therefore will not save the world,” he said.
The award ceremony will take place in Abu Dhabi, on February 4 – the International Day for Human Fraternity, which marks the anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity. As a committee member, Moratinos finds it difficult to choose between the nominees because there are so many, and they all have very interesting initiatives.
“Choosing the right one and making the final decision will be difficult. Unfortunately, we cannot give the award to everyone, even though they all deserve it,” he said. “However, the role of women has been announced as one of the areas in which we should try to recognize how they are implementing the message of human fraternity much better than others.”
The committee will select the honorees, who will be awarded $$1 million in support of their efforts and for the continuation of their work in advancing human fraternity, collaborating across divides, and driving real progress.