Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad headed the Sri Lanka delegation at the 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh from 14–15 December 2025.
Delivering Sri Lanka’s statement at the High-level Segment of the UNAOC on 14 December 2025, Ambassador Ajwad emphasized that dialogue is a true driver of trust, coexistence, and lasting peace.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, along with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for UNAOC and UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, as well as high-level representatives from Spain and Türkiye – the two co-sponsors of UNAOC – inaugurated the 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).
The 11th Global Forum of the UNAOC in Riyadh was historically significant, as UNAOC commemorates its 20th anniversary this year. The Forum, held under the theme “UNAOC: Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity – Advancing a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding in a Multipolar World,” brought together 103 official delegations, including 21 delegations at ministerial level, 18 at deputy minister level, 5 heads of international organizations, and 66 delegations at senior official level. Participants also included representatives from the private sector, civil society, academia, youth, the arts, sports, and the media.
Delegations reaffirmed their shared commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding as essential foundations for peaceful coexistence. The 11th Global Forum placed particular emphasis on empowering youth and engaging them in promoting the principles of peace and fostering a culture of alliance and mutual understanding among nations.
As an outcome, the Forum adopted the Riyadh Declaration, outlining agreed principles and priorities for UNAOC’s next phase of work as it enters its third decade.
Embassy of Sri Lanka Riyadh
29 December 2025
Full text of Ambassador Ameer Ajwad’s speech at the 11th Global Forum of the UNAOC:
