Cascais, Portugal — On Monday, 25 November, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) announced the 2024 recipients of their joint initiative, the PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival during a ceremony that took place on the sidelines of the 10th UNAOC Global Forum in Cascais.
A total of 32 films from 21 countries were selected for distinctions by UNAOC and IOM, as well as 20 partner organizations, based on their insightful and engaging exploration of themes related to migration, diversity, and social inclusion. The films originated from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Iran, India, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, the Russian Federation, Spain, the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, the United Republic of Tanzania, the United States of America, and Yemen.
In his reflections, His Excellency Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for UNAOC, underscored the transformative power of youth voices through media, celebrating their unique ability to tackle pressing global challenges such as migration, social cohesion, and xenophobia. He highlighted PLURAL+ as a vital platform that empowers young storytellers to inspire dialogue, foster empathy, and promote diversity and inclusion. Their creative works, he noted, “stand as powerful examples of how storytelling can drive awareness, action, and collective efforts toward building a more just, inclusive, and compassionate world. I am deeply inspired by their work and proud of the commitment that UNAOC and IOM share in fostering this initiative.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Pär Liljert, Director of the IOM Office at the United Nations in New York, praised the young recipients of the 2024 edition of PLURAL+ “At IOM, we take immense pride in the growth of PLURAL+ as a platform that amplifies the voices of young migrants.” Mr. Liljert noted, “With 14% of the world’s migrants under the age of 20, their potential to enrich and transform our world is extraordinary. Young people today are not just storytellers; they are innovators, problem solvers, and champions for a sustainable future.”
The recipients of this year’s PLURAL+ awards showcased remarkable creativity and storytelling, capturing diverse themes with profound impact. Representing Spain, Ms. Virginia Lubián Egido and Ms. Alicia Clemente Lucas accepted the International Jury Recognition in the Up to 12 Years Old Category on behalf of their second-grade students at Maestro Camilo Hernández Primary School. Their short film, Weirdies, joyfully celebrates the beauty of individuality and diversity, reminding audiences that embracing differences unites us all.
In the 13 to 17 Years Old Category, Mr. Junhyuk “Roy” Ahn from the United States was honored with the International Jury Recognition for his film Just Talk. Using stop-motion animation, the film explores the themes of xenophobia and social inclusion, showcasing the transformative power of dialogue and understanding in overcoming stereotypes.
The International Jury Recognition in the 18 to 25 Years Old Category was awarded to Ms. Phelister Amondi Awuor and Mr. Walter Mwori Athobwa from Kenya for their film Include Me. Featuring a poignant visual poem delivered by Ms. Awuor, the film advocates for the inclusion of women in decision-making processes and highlights the challenges they face, such as poverty and lack of access to education and resources.
This year’s Special Recognition for Combating Xenophobia and Discrimination was presented to Ms. Ana Julia Freitas de Castro and her six students from Brazil for their impactful film Deuses Distintos. The video delves into the issue of religious intolerance, inspiring mutual respect by examining the impact of discrimination on vulnerable communities.
The Special Recognition for Inclusive Action on Climate Change and Its Impact on Migration went to Ms. Chaela Tordillo and Mr. Kervin Quieta from the Philippines for their film Old Times. Through the lens of a displaced fisherman returning to his submerged hometown, the film powerfully reflects on loss, resilience, and the urgent need for climate action.
All of the PLURAL+ videos are now available online on the PLURAL+ website and will be disseminated worldwide. To view the selected videos, please visit: https://pluralplus.unaoc.org/plural2024/
Should you have any questions, please contact Ms. Rahma Soliman, Media and Communications Officer at the IOM Office at the UN, rsoliman@iom.int or +1-212-681-7000 (ext. 210) and Mr. Dogan Asik Strategic Partnerships Consultant at UNAOC at dogana@unops.org or +1-212-963-7158.