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

BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- During a ceremony at the 7^th 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, High Representative for the United Nations 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:

2^nd prize: Unistream (Israel)

3^rd prize: Red Dot Foundation - Safecity (India)

4^th prize: The Coexist Initiative (Kenya)

5^th prize: Shine a Light (Brazil/USA)

Honourable mentions in alphabetical order include:

The Blessing Basket Project (USA)

International Council for Cultural Centers - Bakers without Borders (Bulgaria)

On Our Radar (UK)

Routes 2 Roots (India)

SINGA (France)

During one year, the selected initiatives can enjoy invaluable resources from the BMW Group and UNAOC, such as mentoring, monetary support and participation in training activities. 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.

In case of enquiries please contact:

Milena Pighi, BMW Group, Spokesperson BMW Group Corporate Social Responsibility
Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Alessandro Girola, UNAOC, Programming Coordinator
Telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]

Internet: www.press.bmw.de
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