Annual Intercultural Innovation Award entries due Sept. 30

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group will be holding the fourth edition of the Intercultural Innovation Awards (IIAs), both entities said on Monday.

The IIAs recognizes initiatives across the globe that facilitate cooperation and help dismantle identity- and cultural-based tensions and conflicts.

“Honoring grass-roots organizations that are deeply committed to improving relations across communities and people lies at the core of the alliance’s work," H.E. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, said. "What we are doing in this partnership with the BMW Group is further evidence of the innovative approaches we pursue."

Ten organizations will be recognized with IIAs and financial contributions to further support their initiatives or projects. The first-place winner will be awarded $40,000. The organizations that are selected also will have the opportunity to receive training and benefit from other capacity-building programs, among other support services.

Organizations are encouraged to submit applications online at the IIA website, https://interculturalinnovation.org. The deadline to submit is Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. EDT.

“Our commitment to the awardees extends beyond financial support to include every relevant resource we can offer," Bill McAndrews, vice president for corporate communications strategy/corporate and market communications at BMW Group, said. "This can make the crucial difference in turning an idea into a reality that improves peoples’ lives.”