Ten Global Grassroots Organizations Received Intercultural Innovation Award at the 7th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance Of Civilizations

During a ceremony at the 7th UNAOC Global Forum, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and BMW Group announced this year’s ten Intercultural Innovation Award recipients. The Intercultural Innovation Award, a partnership between UNAOC and the BMW Group, supports grassroots initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue and understanding

“At UNAOC, we harness multiple perspectives and determine creative solutions to move towards living inclusively together,” said Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations. “That we are doing this in partnership with BMW Group is further evidence of the innovative approaches we pursue.”

“In our centenary year, the BMW Group is particularly emphasizing our focus on the future and innovative solutions to the challenges of tomorrow,” said Bill McAndrews, Vice President BMW Group Communications Strategy, Corporate and Market Communications. “It is with great pleasure that we, together with UNAOC, foster the development of initiatives that share our pioneering spirit.”

This year, first prize went to Give Something Back To Berlin for their urban integration platform. The platform strengthens the cohesion of the Berlin community by connecting new Berliners with organizations active in social engagement and community service. To date, skilled volunteers from over 50 nationalities are participating in vibrant projects throughout the city, creating meeting points for different communities that would otherwise stay isolated from one another.

Other awardees by ranking include:

2nd prize: Unistream (Israel)
Creates social change by empowering teens from underprivileged communities to build and run their own startups.

3rd prize: Red Dot Foundation – Safecity (India)
Crowdsources personal stories of sexual harassment to make public spaces safer for all.

4th prize: The Coexist Initiative (Kenya)
Engages men, boys and communities to address the socio-cultural stereotypes and conditions that impedes girls’ education.

5th prize: Shine a Light (Brazil/USA)
Teaches indigenous children to share their stories through digital arts.

Honourable mentions in alphabetical order include:

The Blessing Basket Project (USA)
Enables artisans from impoverished backgrounds to create cultural connections with their customers.

International Council for Cultural Centers – Bakers without Borders (Bulgaria)
Unites people from around the world through collective bread-making

On Our Radar (UK)
Utilizes SMS as a micro-reporting tool for marginalized communities to tell their stories via international media outlets.

Routes 2 Roots (India)
Facilitates dialogue between students from India and Pakistan to build trust through their cultural similarities.

SINGA (France)
Creates a community of refugees and locals through shared passions and projects.

During one year, the selected initiatives can enjoy invaluable expert mentoring and resources from the BMW Group and UNAOC. In addition to receiving monetary support, the finalists will have the opportunity to participate in training activities as well as to become a part of the exclusive “Intercultural Leaders” network. Launched in 2011, the Intercultural Innovation Award is the result of a unique public-private partnership between UNAOC and the BMW Group. This model of collaboration between the United Nations and the private sector creates deeper impact, as both partners provide their respective expertise to ensure the sustainable growth of each project.