Asmara, 15 December 2025 –Eritrean delegation led by Ms. Weini Ghebrezgiabiher, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in Saudi Arabia, participated in the 11th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Global Forum, which was convened in Riyadh on 14 and 15 December.
The forum was conducted under the theme, “Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity – Advancing a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding in a Multipolar World.”
Addressing the forum, Ms. Weini said that terrorism and violent extremism must never be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group. In this regard, she stressed that no attributions should be made to any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group to justify terrorism or counterterrorism measures that, inter alia, rely on profiling of suspects, stigmatization of communities, or unwarranted intrusion into individual privacy.
Ms. Weini went on to say that such measures weaken human rights, undermine social cohesion, and erode the trust and cooperation essential for sustainable peace and effective counterterrorism. She noted that the resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 calls for a global dialogue grounded in tolerance, human rights, and respect for the diversity of religions and beliefs—principles that lie at the core of UNAOC’s mission.
Underlining that Eritrea’s own history offers a living example of these values in practice, Ms. Weini said that for centuries all religions in Eritrea have coexisted harmoniously, sharing a common identity and contributing equally to the nation’s social and cultural fabric. This experience, she said, demonstrates that civilizations need not clash and that diversity, when rooted in equality, enriches societies.
Concluding her remarks, Ms. Weini said that Eritrea believes this requires strengthening global action against all forms of religious hatred and discriminatory narratives; empowering youth with meaningful opportunities and resilience to withstand exclusion, marginalization, and online manipulation; prioritizing development, dignity, and social justice as the essential foundations for peaceful and harmonious societies. As the world enters a new era, Eritrea reaffirms its commitment to nurturing understanding and upholding mutual respect.
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