detailed information about the 4th UNAOC Summer School

defensive fortifications and widened the moat. The city was also separated from its
nearest town, Rabat.
Malta passed to the Order of Knights of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in 1530 AD.
Mdina hosted the public ceremony in which each Grand Master swore an oath to
protect the Maltese Islands and the rights of his subjects. A strong earthquake in
1693 led to the introduction of Baroque design within the city scape. The Knights of
Malta rebuilt the cathedral, to the designs of Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa. Palazzo
Falzon, the Magisterial Palace and major restoration works are other projects
undertaken by the Knights. The monumental gateway was designed by the French
architect and military engineer Charles François de Mondion in 1724. Also, the entrance
found today is not the original one, as the original south gate is about 100 meters to the
left.
Present
Most of Mdina's palaces serve as private homes. The impressive Cathedral of
the Conversion of St Paul is fronted by a large square. Only a limited number of resident
and emergency vehicles, wedding cars and hearses are allowed within Mdina.
16. Background of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
Inspired by the vision that respect among human beings in all diversities of belief,
culture and language, and tolerance are fundamental values for building inclusive
societies as well as boosting peace and sustainable development, the United Nations
Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) operates in four main fields of action: education, youth,
media and migration.
The primary mission of the UNAOC is to forge collective political will and to mobilize
concerted action aimed at improving cross-cultural understanding and cooperation
among countries, peoples and communities. The Alliance focuses its actions on both
governmental and civil societal levels. It also works to counter forces that fuel
polarization and extremism. The UNAOC’s particular focus is on improving relations
within and between Western and Muslim societies and addressing persistent tensions
and divides.
In order to deliver on-the-ground joint actions that reflect shared responsibilities, the
UNAOC promotes the adoption of Regional Strategies for Intercultural Dialogue and
Cooperation as the best way to address common challenges. Regional Strategies deglobalize
the Alliance’s goals, generate a process of co-ownership involving a wide range
of stakeholders and drive collective efforts to address peoples’ needs, reach out to
grass-roots organizations and deliver projects on the ground.
48