OIPMA

Organisation Internationale pour les Pays les Moins Avancés (OIPMA)

International Organisation for the Least Developed Countries (IOLDCs)

International Forum: Unite for Tolerance and Human Fraternity

Commemoration of the International Day of Human Fraternity

Geneva, Switzerland – January 17, 2025

On February 4, 2025, professionals, policymakers, and experts will convene at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, and online via Zoom for the International Forum: Unite for Tolerance and Human Fraternity​. The event will mark the International Day of Human Fraternity, reflecting the United Nations’ commitment to fostering global tolerance, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence.

Objectives

The event aims to address critical issues of intolerance, hatred, and violent extremism by fostering partnerships among member states, international organizations, and civil society. It underscores tolerance as a political, legal, and moral responsibility in the global fight against extremism and hatred.

Key discussions will include reviewing progress on United Nations Resolutions 75/200 and 36/55, tackling the root causes of extremism in regions such as Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia, and exploring successful global models of tolerance and reconciliation. The forum will also propose launching an International Decade for Tolerance and Human Fraternity to advance these principles worldwide.

Featured Speakers

The forum will be chaired by Ambassador Saeed Mokbil, former member of the United Nations Working Group on Mercenaries and President of the International Organization of the Least Developed Countries.

Distinguished panelists include:

  • Ana Luiza Thompson-Flores, Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office in Geneva, discussing the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance and other initiatives promoting global tolerance.
  • H.E. President Aidarus Al-Zubaidi, Vice President of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, highlighting the impact of intolerance and extremism in Yemen.
  • Dr. Thomas Renard, Director of the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, providing multidisciplinary policy insights on countering violent extremism and radicalization.
  • Dr. Arben Ramkaj, Board Member of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, advocating for interfaith harmony and cultural dialogue as tools for peace.
  • Mr. Pablo Demierre, Founder and President of the International Institute for Diplomacy, focusing on education and diplomacy as pathways to tolerance.
  • Dr. Azza Karam, member of the United Nations’ High-Level Advisory Board on Multilateralism, analyzing the impact of extremist ideologies in the MENA region.
  • Dr. Sarah Markiewicz, Inter-Parliamentary Union, highlighting how parliamentary diplomacy and legislative frameworks championed by the IPU are pivotal in promoting tolerance, unity, and inclusion. 
    Senior Adviser on Interfaith Dialogue
  • Mrs. Jade McLachlan, Executive Director of OIPMA, emphasizing the need for a Decade of Tolerance with practical global actions.

Call to Action

As a key outcome, participants will present actionable recommendations to combat extremism, promote tolerance, and eliminate hatred and violence. The forum will emphasize the adoption of a human rights-based approach to these efforts and call upon states, civil society, and international organizations to prioritize tolerance as a cornerstone of peaceful coexistence.

Mandate

The conference aligns with United Nations Resolutions 75/200 and 36/55, which underscore the importance of fostering dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among diverse groups. These principles are essential to building resilient societies and countering the divisive forces of intolerance and extremism.

Join us as we work together to build a more tolerant and harmonious world.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, 4 February 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Geneva Time)
Venue: Palais des Nations, Room XXV (Building E), 8 Avenue de la Paix, 1202 Genève

Registration in-person:
Participation requires prior registration, which is open until 4 February 2025.

Online Access:
For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live or via ZOOM.

  • Zoom access link here / Passcode: 731610
  • YouTubehere

For more information, media inquiries, or to register for virtual attendance, please contact: Elma Mislimi – +46 70 790 27 66