India reiterates Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and religious harmony at the 11th UNAOC in Riyadh, highlighting dialogue, mutual respect, and multicultural coexistence as global leaders gather to address polarization, conflict, and the future of multilateral cooperation.
India has reaffirmed its long-standing civilizational values of universal brotherhood and religious harmony at the 11th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Representing India at the high-level global forum, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) P. Kumaran underscored the country’s commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence in an increasingly polarized world.
Leading the Indian delegation, P. Kumaran delivered India’s national statement at the High-Level Meeting of the Group of Friends of UNAOC. He highlighted India’s identity as an ancient civilization marked by diversity, pluralism, and democratic values. Drawing from India’s philosophical traditions, he invoked the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which views the world as one family, and Sarva Dharma Samabhav, the belief in equal respect for all religions.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Kumaran emphasized that these principles are not merely historical ideals but living values that continue to guide India’s domestic policies and its engagement with the international community. He noted that India’s social fabric, shaped by centuries of coexistence among multiple faiths, cultures, and languages, offers valuable lessons for a world grappling with conflict, intolerance, and mistrust.
The 11th UNAOC was hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh from December 14 to 15 under the theme, “UNAOC: Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity — Advancing a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding in a Multipolar World.” The theme reflects the growing need for inclusive dialogue and cooperation as global power structures evolve and traditional multilateral mechanisms face increasing strain.
In a press statement, the UNAOC observed that the forum is taking place at a critical juncture in history. The world today is marked by deepening geopolitical divisions, prolonged conflicts in multiple regions, rising extremism, and a noticeable erosion of trust in global governance institutions. Against this backdrop, the Riyadh meeting sought to reinvigorate faith in dialogue as a tool for conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
The global gathering brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including political leaders, representatives of international and regional organizations, religious leaders and faith-based actors, members of civil society, academia, youth groups, artists, sports personalities, media professionals, and private sector representatives. The diversity of participants reflected the UNAOC’s core belief that sustainable peace cannot be achieved by governments alone but requires the active participation of all sections of society.
As UNAOC enters its third decade, the 11th forum also served as an occasion to commemorate the organization’s 20th anniversary. Discussions focused not only on reflecting upon past achievements but also on charting a future course aimed at strengthening intercultural and interfaith cooperation. The forum aimed to renew collective commitment to countering hatred, misinformation, and polarization through education, dialogue, and collaborative action.
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations was established in 2005 as a political initiative of then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and was co-sponsored by the governments of Spain and Turkey. The initiative was conceived in the aftermath of growing tensions between societies and cultures, with the objective of addressing the roots of polarization and promoting understanding across cultural and religious divides.
A High-Level Group of Experts was formed by Kofi Annan to analyze the causes of extremism, cultural conflict, and societal fragmentation. The group’s report provided a comprehensive assessment along with practical recommendations, which later became the foundation of UNAOC’s implementation strategy.
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India’s participation at the 11th UNAOC reaffirmed its role as a strong advocate of multilateralism, cultural dialogue, and inclusive global cooperation. By reiterating the values of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Sarva Dharma Samabhav on a global platform, India reinforced its message that harmony, tolerance, and respect for diversity remain essential for achieving lasting global peace and stability.
