On Friday, September 25, 2026, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdellati attended a ceremony to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. The event took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The MOU aims to enhance cultural and intellectual cooperation, promote tolerance, coexistence, and acceptance of others, and combat hate speech, intolerance, and racism.
The MOU was signed in the presence of Miguel Angel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, and Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia. This agreement seeks to foster dialogue among cultures and religions, preserve cultural diversity, and organize joint cultural and training programs. It also focuses on empowering youth, women, and civil society, as well as expanding partnerships with national and international institutions and the private sector.
A key aspect of the MOU is the use of technology and artificial intelligence to promote cultural dialogue and spread peace and mutual understanding. This initiative aligns with Egypt's efforts to support international endeavors that promote a culture of dialogue and understanding among nations and civilizations. By doing so, it aims to counter hate speech and foster more inclusive and peaceful societies.
The signing of the MOU reflects Egypt's commitment to promoting tolerance, coexistence, and respect for diversity. It also highlights the country's role in encouraging international cooperation to address global challenges. The agreement is expected to strengthen Egypt's partnership with the UN Alliance of Civilizations and enhance its contributions to international efforts promoting peace and understanding.
During his participation in the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Abdellati also engaged in other diplomatic activities. He met with Nebila El Fassi, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and participated in a ministerial meeting of the Arab-African Partnership. These interactions underscore Egypt's ongoing efforts to foster cooperation and coordination on regional and international issues.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the MOU signing demonstrates Egypt's dedication to supporting international initiatives that promote peace, tolerance, and understanding. This commitment is in line with the country's long-standing tradition of advocating for peaceful conflict resolution and fostering strong international relationships.
The MOU between the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN Alliance of Civilizations is a significant step towards promoting intercultural dialogue and cooperation. It is expected to yield tangible results in the areas of cultural exchange, education, and community engagement, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and interconnected world.
Key points
- Egypt's Foreign Minister signs MOU with UN Alliance of Civilizations to promote cultural cooperation and tolerance.
- The agreement aims to combat hate speech, intolerance, and racism through education and cultural exchange.
- Egypt reaffirms its commitment to promoting peace, understanding, and international cooperation through the MOU.