United Nations-Backed Conference Coming to Atlanta

The Istanbul Center, Kennesaw State University and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Secretariat (UNAOC) will host on Jan. 29−31 the first United Nations Alliance of Civilizations International Conference dedicated to the examination of Turkey’s unique role in promoting world peace and eradicating extremism.

More than 40 scholars from universities in the U.S.‚ Turkey‚ Cyprus and Algeria will participate on panels and present papers on the theme “Alliance of Civilizations: Turkey at the Crossroads of Cultures.” This three-day conference will be held in the Social Sciences Building at Kennesaw State University.

The UNAOC is a global initiative launched by Turkey and Spain in 2005 under the auspices of the United Nations. The UNAOC is composed of an 85-member Group of Friends (governments‚ regional and international organizations‚ foundations and private donors) from which the UNAOC works to improve understanding and cooperation across cultures and religions and to counter the forces of polarization and extremism.

The conference will be highlighted by several appearances of national and international leaders such as former US Ambassador to Turkey, Mark Parris, on Friday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m.

Distinguished Turkish delegates will include Congressman Suat Kiniklioglu, member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, and spokesman of the foreign relations committee, and Congressman Cuneyt Yuksel, member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

His Excellency Mehmet Aydin, Turkish state minister and United Nations Alliance of Civilizations co-chair, will address the conference by video. Senator Johnny Isakson is also expected to speak at the conference at KSU on Friday, Jan. 30, 9 a.m.

This three-day conference will cover topics including Turkey’s unique role and experience in promoting peaceful coexistence and multiculturalism; the role of media; the impact of migration; the plight of youth; separating mosque and state in educating to promote peace; and the tension between modern and traditional values in gender relations. Most recently, Turkey has played an active role in mediating conflicts in the Middle East such as between Israel and Syria.

Turkey straddles Europe and Asia giving the country one of the most unique blends of East and West. The country’s rich history encompasses the rise of major civilizations in the area comprising modern Turkey‚ including the Hittite‚ Byzantine and the Ottoman empires. Today‚ Turkey is a democratic‚ secular republic with a majority Muslim population