1. Federal Departement of Foreign Affairs FDFA Focal Point Switzerland – Alliance of Civilisations Cooperation within the Group of Friends: Thematic Platforms 10/11/2009

2. 2 Cooperation within the Group of Friends | Thematic Platforms Ambassador Alexandre Fasel Federal Departement of Foreign Affairs FDFA Focal Point Switzerland – Alliance of Civilisations Presentation outline Setting the frame Thematic platforms: why? how? what? Developments so far Discussion

3. 3 Cooperation within the Group of Friends | Thematic Platforms Ambassador Alexandre Fasel Federal Departement of Foreign Affairs FDFA Focal Point Switzerland – Alliance of Civilisations Setting the frame “The need to build bridges between societies and communities, promote dialogue and understanding and forge the collective political will to address the world’s imbalances has never been greater. This is the global challenge that the Alliance has to face and address in concrete terms, using a result-oriented approach and focusing on deliverables”. President Sampaio, HRSG

4. 4 Cooperation within the Group of Friends | Thematic Platforms Ambassador Alexandre Fasel Federal Departement of Foreign Affairs FDFA Focal Point Switzerland – Alliance of Civilisations Setting the frame Responding to the HRSG's invitation to suggest concrete ideas for mobilizing the GoF Building upon experience and expertise of GOF members

5. 5 Cooperation within the Group of Friends | Thematic Platforms Ambassador Alexandre Fasel Federal Departement of Foreign Affairs FDFA Focal Point Switzerland – Alliance of Civilisations Setting the frame Practical co-operation in issues of common interest vs. dialogue about values Dialogue between actors vs. dialogue between 'cultures' or 'religions' Safe environment

6. 6 Cooperation within the Group of Friends | Thematic Platforms Ambassador Alexandre Fasel Federal Departement of Foreign Affairs FDFA Focal Point Switzerland – Alliance of Civilisations Thematic platforms: why? Coherence with the AoC agenda: building bridges between different world views GoF as a collective of nations and agencies committed to a shared understanding Reasons of practicality and efficiency

7. 7 Cooperation within the Group of Friends | Thematic Platforms Ambassador Alexandre Fasel Federal Departement of Foreign Affairs FDFA Focal Point Switzerland – Alliance of Civilisations Thematic platforms: how? Form around specific issues (or geographic regions) Issues conducive to practical co-operation Participation based on know-how and / or interest

8. 8 Cooperation within the Group of Friends | Thematic Platforms Ambassador Alexandre Fasel Federal Departement of Foreign Affairs FDFA Focal Point Switzerland – Alliance of Civilisations Thematic platforms: what? Foster understanding of dynamics feeding polarisation Develop constructive ways to frame issues / capture legitimate concerns Identify / develop actions to be taken separately or collectively to help advance common ground and common action Take understandings/communalities to relevant bodies for discussion or policy-making Regular reporting to the GoF

9. 9 Cooperation within the Group of Friends | Thematic Platforms Ambassador Alexandre Fasel Federal Departement of Foreign Affairs FDFA Focal Point Switzerland – Alliance of Civilisations Possible issues for thematic platforms Bridging divides in the field of humanitarian aid and development Media literacy Youth participation Public diplomacy / City diplomacy Migrant Integration practices for inclusive societies Bridging the gap between public school systems and private religious schools Image of the other (incl. teaching of local history)

10. 10 Cooperation within the Group of Friends | Thematic Platforms Ambassador Alexandre Fasel Federal Departement of Foreign Affairs FDFA Focal Point Switzerland – Alliance of Civilisations Possible modus operandi Open, inclusive process Ensure diversity among members of a thematic platform Include civil society, private sector, academia and media when appropriate Co-chairs representing distinctive constituencies Number of participants? Regular report to the GoF

11. 11 Cooperation within the Group of Friends | Thematic Platforms Ambassador Alexandre Fasel Federal Departement of Foreign Affairs FDFA Focal Point Switzerland – Alliance of Civilisations Development so far Ministerial meeting – 09/08 Second AoC Forum – 04/09 Focal Point meeting – 04/09 Ministerial meeting – 09/09 First preparation meeting in Bern – 11/09

12. 12 Cooperation within the Group of Friends | Thematic Platforms Ambassador Alexandre Fasel Federal Departement of Foreign Affairs FDFA Focal Point Switzerland – Alliance of Civilisations Development so far Informal meeting in Bern, Switzerland (26 November 2009) To discuss work modalities of the establishment of a dialogue platform on divides in the field of humanitarianism and development To explore and discuss how the issue could be best tackled As we go, establish "handbook"

13. 13 Cooperation within the Group of Friends | Thematic Platforms Ambassador Alexandre Fasel Federal Departement of Foreign Affairs FDFA Focal Point Switzerland – Alliance of Civilisations Conclusion Thematic platform: a suggestion among others to contribute to the achievements of the AoC objectives

14. 14 Cooperation within the Group of Friends | Thematic Platforms Ambassador Alexandre Fasel Federal Departement of Foreign Affairs FDFA Focal Point Switzerland – Alliance of Civilisations Discussion