WAM Rabat, May 30th, 2012 (WAM) -- The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) is taking part in the first Forum of the Partners of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, starting tomorrow in Istanbul, at the invitation of Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The two-day forum will gather representatives of governments, international organizations, local community associations, academic institutions, research centers, and businessmen to develop a unified vision of a world free of crises and clashes between cultures and civilizations, a world where cultural diversity flourishes.

The forum will be presided over by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of Turkey, and Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations.

As well as discussing the results achieved by the Alliance after five years of operation, the forum will review a number of priority projects related to the Alliance of Civilizations and explore ways to establish links between the UNAOC and the private sector. It will also address a number of issues including the long-term resource needs and the immediate requirements for 2012 and 2013.

ISESCO will be represented in this event by Dr Abdelilah Benarafa, Expert at the Culture and Communication Directorate.

WAM/ES/AM