The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and Interfaith Dialogue: What is it Good For?

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) was founded in 2005, following the devastating attacks by al Qaeda on the United States on 11 September 2001 (9/11'). The article examines the UNAOC's involvement in interfaith dialogue by focusing on three faith-based entities with which the Alliance regularly cooperates in joint interfaith events: The Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations, Religions for Peace, and United Religions Initiative. The article concludes by suggesting that, while such cooperation is no doubt well-meaning and probably does no harm, it is unclear whether it actually advances the goals of interfaith dialogue and cooperation: reduced tensions and conflicts.