About
A political activist since his youth, Brazilian author Paul Coelho¡¯s best-selling books, such as The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage, enchant readers from around the world. He has won numerous international awards for his works, which have been translated into more than 65 languages.
Through the Paulo Coelho Institute, the Rio de Janeiro native uses his global appeal to combat poverty and help underprivileged members of Brazilian society. He is also an advocate of multiculturalism through his work with UNESCO as a Special Counselor for Intercultural Dialogues and Spiritual Convergences.
Since 2009 he has been part of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon¡¯s ¡°Network of Men Leaders¡±, a group of influential men who work in their spheres of influence to undertake specific actions to end violence against women. The Network is part of the ¡°UNiTE to End Violence against Women¡± campaign. In his capacity as a Messenger of Peace, he is also committed to focusing global attention on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Poverty and Intercultural Dialogue
Dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values, can create the conditions to achieve peace and alleviate poverty. Poverty entails more than the lack of income and productive resources to ensure sustainable livelihoods. Its manifestations include hunger and malnutrition, limited access to education and other basic services, social discrimination and exclusion as well as the lack of participation in decision-making. The efforts to eradicate poverty require intercultural dialogue to create flexibility, understanding and the willingness to assist and cooperate with one another.