BERLIN, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / May 24, 2023 / Australian organization 'Welcoming Australia' is one of ten global grassroots initiatives recognized by the prestigious Intercultural Innovation Hub, a joint initiative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group, implemented with the support of Accenture,, during a ceremony held in Berlin, Germany.

Selected for its project 'Welcoming Cities', Welcoming Australia supports a national network of cities, shires, towns and municipalities that are committed to an Australia where everyone can belong and participate in social, cultural, economic, and civic life. Aiming for social cohesion, the project supports local governments as facilitators of a coordinated, whole-of-community approach to foster diversity while building economic success through knowledge sharing and partnerships.

'The continued success of multicultural Australia depends on our society's ability to embrace diversity and foster social cohesion. We appreciate the support of the Intercultural Innovation Hub in creating more opportunities for equal participation and contribution of all members of the society, and sustain a welcoming community,' emphasized Aleem Ali, CEO of Welcoming Australia.

Every year, the Intercultural Innovation Hub supports grassroots initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue and understanding, thereby contributing to peace, cultural diversity, and more inclusive societies. This year, the Ceremony was chaired by Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and the High Representative for UNAOC, and Ms. Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG People and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director.

In addition to a financial grant, Welcoming Australia will receive one year of capacity-building and mentorship support from UNAOC, the BMW Group and Accenture to help strengthen the 'Welcoming Cities' project and its contribution towards a more inclusive society. This model of collaboration between the United Nations and the private sector creates a more profound impact, as partners provide their respective expertise to ensure the sustainable growth of each supported project.

Learn more about the project:

https://interculturalinnovation.org/welcoming-australia-welcoming-cities/

Media Inquiries:

- Milena Pighi, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, BMW Group, Milena.PA.Pighi@bmw.de
- Alessandro Girola, Programming Coordinator, UNAOC, alessandrog@unops.org

SOURCE: United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)