In a period of increased international tensions and critical developments for world peace and security, former Greek Prime Minister George A. Papandreou was in Tirana, Albania, where he participated in the work of the World Forum Anna Lindh 2025.

The UNAOC initiative, which began in 2004, is led by Miguel Angel Moratinos, Deputy Secretary General and UNH representative, as well as a UN special envoy for the fight against Islamophobia. The alliance operates as without excluding UN Multinational Platform to promote peace and interfaith and intercultural dialogue with the aim of mutual understanding and respect for peoples.

During the Central Session on “Bridging Cultures and Religions in the Euro-Mediterranean region: Reflection in the two decades of dialogue on UNAOC humanity”, George A. Papandreou participated in a discussion with Miguel Moratinos, formerly the former President Bagis, and Professor Michele Kapaso, president of Fondazione Mediterraneo. The debate focused on the role that UNAOC can play in tackling modern and emerging challenges, identifying the key obstacles in the wider Euro-Mediterranean region, as well as types of interventions that can enhance consistency and mutual respect, both at the level of society and civil society.

George Papandreou stressed the need for immediate truce in armed conflict areas to create the conditions for the end of hostilities. He emphasized the importance of a common Mediterranean course for peace and cooperation, shaped by the peoples themselves, without external intervention or “patrons” addictions.

As Tirana has been proclaimed a Mediterranean Cultural Capital and the capital of the dialogue for 2025, the session was also an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity and long tradition of interfaith dialogue in the Mediterranean.

On the sidelines of the Forum Anna Lindh, George Papandreou had bilateral meetings with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, as well as with the President of the Republic, Bayram Begai.