In the closing session, Jorge Sampaio, the High Representative, set out what in his opinion are the main achievements of the First Forum of the Alliance of Civilization:

1. The announcement by Governments and multilateral organizations of National Plans and Regional Strategies for Intercultural Dialogue, aimed at promoting the achievement of the Alliance’s goals in countries and regions, respectively. Spain and New Zealand presented their National Plans, and Turkey published the elements of its National Strategy for the Alliance of Civilizations. Other countries expressed their intention of creating their own National Plans or Strategies in the near future, and of appointing national coordinators.

2. The establishment of cooperation agreements between the High Representative and various international organizations. Five Memorandums of Understanding were signed – with UNESCO, the League of Arab States, ISESCO, ALESCO and United Cities and Local Governments – as well as a Letter of Intent with the Council of Europe.

3. The announcement by Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, the consort of the Emir of Qatar, of the launching of Silatech, a global initiative for youth employment, set up with an initial investment of 100 million dollars. This initiative includes cooperation agreements with the World Bank and with the business sector (e.g., with Cisco Systems). At the outset, it will address five pilot projects in Middle East countries.

4. The announcement by Queen Noor of Jordan, on behalf of the King Hussein Foundation, of the establishment of an Alliance of Civilizations Media Fund to fight against stereotyping in the media, by means of cooperation agreements with well-known producers, distributors and Hollywood agencies. The Fund is endowed with an initial private investment of 10 million dollars.

5. The launch of the Alliance of Civilizations Clearinghouse, set up with a pilot project in the field of media literacy education aimed at drawing up a catalogue of programmes in this sphere and of related government policies in different parts of the world.

6. The launch of the Rapid Response Media Mechanism, which will establish a public database of global experts in intercultural dialogue, accessible to journalists and the media, especially during crisis situations.

7. Setting up the Youth Solidarity Fund, aimed at providing small-scale assistance for youth programmes in the sphere of intercultural and interreligious dialogue.

8. Creating a worldwide network for information and best practice sharing between Foundations and individuals, working in the field of intercultural dialogue in order to bring about synergies.

9. Establishing an Alliance of Civilizations network of good will ambassadors, comprised of internationally renowned personalities who will help promote the achievement of the Alliance’s goals and to give its initiatives greater visibility.

10. Commitment by the UN Global Compact to draw up a catalogue of best practices in the business sector as regards intercultural dialogue.

11. Achieving a Declaration signed by world religious leaders, of diverse faiths, expressing their solidarity and commitment to promoting international peace and stability.