The Netherlands aims to remove tensions between cultures16 Jan 2024 | ‘Glossing over differences and tensions between faiths and cultures serves no purpose at all. This is why the Netherlands wants to work with other countries and organisations to find constructive solutions for these tensions,’ said foreign minister Maxime Verhagen at the First Alliance of Civilisations Forum, held in Madrid on 15 and 16 January.
Mr Verhagen stressed that we should never allow faith or culture to serve as an excuse for violating the human rights that bind us all together.
The Alliance has arisen out of concern about the growing distrust, fear, and lack of understanding between the West and the Islamic world. The Netherlands is a member of the Alliance’s Group of Friends.
The forum was attended by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, government leaders, foreign ministers, religious leaders, and representatives of international organisations. The participants discussed joint initiatives that might help prevent conflicts and extremism: youth exchanges, an online database of expertise on intercultural issues, partnerships with universities, and solutions for youth unemployment.
The Netherlands will examine whether to help finance specific projects.