Ashraf Aboarafe
- The organization, awarded for the initiative “Safarni” promoting diversity through simulated travel adventures, was selected among over 1,300 grassroots organizations that applied for the prestigious Intercultural Innovation Award, a partnership between the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group.
- The Intercultural Innovation Award Ceremony was held in New York at United Nations headquarters, in the presence of ambassadors and high-level UN officials.
(BUSINESS WIRE)– Egyptian organization Etijah received 2nd place at the 2017 Intercultural Innovation Award Ceremony for their “Safarni” initiative.
The ceremony was held this year for the first time at UN headquarters in New York and chaired by Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, and Mr. Bill McAndrews, Vice President BMW Group Communications Strategy, Corporate and Market Communications.
“Safarni”facilitates workshops that allow children to immerse themselves in different cultures without leaving their neighborhoods. On these simulated trips, participants connect with locals from around the world, discovering dances, games, cuisines, and meeting local families. Following their workshops ‘travelling’ the world, these children then become ‘Ambassadors of Diversity’ in their community.
“Travel allows for immersion in diverse communities and we are trying to bring travel adventures to all through our ‘Safarni’ workshops,” said Nesreen Sharara, Programme Manager. “Our workshops have taken place not just in Egypt but also in Berlin, Istanbul and Tokyo. We know Safarni has the potential for global positive impact and we look forward to exploring avenues of replication with support from the Intercultural Innovation Award.”
The Intercultural Innovation Award supports grassroots initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue and understanding, thereby contributing to peace, cultural diversity and more inclusive societies.
In addition to a financial grant, “Safarni” will receive support from UNAOC and the BMW Group to help the initiative expand and replicate in other contexts. 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. Assistance is customized based on the specific needs of award recipients.
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