RELEASE: UNAOC and BMW Group announce the 10 winners of the Intercultural Innovation Center

Germany, May 25, 2023.

The winning projects range from the promotion of diversity and inclusion to the promotion of gender equality, through art, sport and social change.

Ten grassroots initiatives have been awarded the prestigious Intercultural Innovation Center during a ceremony held in Berlin, Germany. The Intercultural Innovation Center, a collaboration between the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group, with the support of Accenture, recognizes and supports grassroots initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue and contribute to peace, cultural diversity and inclusive societies. This year organizations from Germany, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Mexico and South Africa have been selected. His projects range from promoting diversity and inclusion to promoting gender equality, through art and sport for social change."Civil society is evolving in dynamic and impactful ways, with innovations at the level of base at the forefront of driving meaningful change. The organizations we have recognized through the Intercultural Innovation Center are one example of this. We are proud to amplify their contribution to diversity, mutual respect and inclusion. In addition, we celebrate our enduring collaboration with the BMW Group as we continue to connect, empower and elevate these grassroots initiatives," said Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General and UNAOC High Representative. "At the BMW Group, we recognize that intercultural understanding enriches communities we operate in. That's why we're so proud of our strong partnership with UNAOC.The Center for Intercultural Innovation allows us to highlight some of the remarkable intercultural work being done around the world. Our commitment to recipients includes the relevant resources we can offer to promote these initiatives. This can make the crucial difference in turning an idea into a practice that evolves local communities and improves people's lives," said Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG People and Real Estate, Director of Labor Relations. The following grantees will benefit from funding, as well as an extensive 12-month program of capacity building and mentoring: • Inspire (Indonesia) - Compromiso Unidos • Mais Diferenças (Brazil) - Literature in multiple accessible formats • Oasis 'Reach For Your Dreams' (South Africa) - Community street football/Netball • Tech2Peace (Israel) - A new reality: Israelis and Palestinians innovate together • Fundación Ixcanul (Guatemala) - Traveling Cinema • Adopt a Talent Program / PAUTA (Mexico) - Empowering girls and adolescents from vulnerable groups and communities in Mexico with science • Welcoming Australia (Australia) - Welcoming Cities • Wasel for Awareness and Education (Jordan) - Shabbek Wa Bader • SWANS Initiative (Germany) - More Leylas in Leadership • Barranquilla 20 Foundation (Colombia) - Women for Climate Justice For more information visit: https://interculturalinnovation.org

ContactContact name: Ms. Milena PighiContact description: Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, BMW GroupContact telephone: 49-89-382-66563