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multimedia-based peacebuilding project that promotes reconciliation and enhances inter-ethnic cooperation among Bosnian citizens has won the Intercultural Innovation award this year.

The Ordinary Heroes project, established by the Post-Conflict Research Center of Bosnia-Herzegovina, received the award from the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and BMW Group during the 6th UNAOC Global Forum in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Thursday.

Defeating 10 other finalists, the project won the top prize of US$40,000 for its initiative in utilizing stories of rescuers'€™ behavior and moral courage to save lives during times of ethnic violence and genocide worldwide as inspiration for dialogue that leads to understanding and individual acceptance of differences.

As a unique public-private partnership between UNAOC and BMW Group, the award has been presented annually since 2011 to recognize non-profit organizations worldwide for their grassroots projects that promote intercultural tolerance in innovative and sustainable ways.

In his award ceremony remarks, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon lauded the creative efforts of the winners, saying '€œthey played an important role in promoting dialogue and intercultural understanding, while making vital contributions to prosperity and peace in global societies'€.

During the ceremony, heads of state, dignitaries and representatives of civil society organizations worldwide had the opportunity to learn how each of the award'€™s 11 finalists have made an impact through their projects.

'€œWe often focus on conflicts and suffering, which is necessary, but we also need space for hope and enthusiasm. This awarding is to celebrate those who believe that a more cohesive and inclusive world is not only possible but also indispensable,'€ said Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations.

This year, the UNAOC and BMW Group received more than 600 entries from grassroots organizations worldwide. Twenty-five submissions made it to the shortlist, which was reviewed by a judging panel.

Barry Van Driel, head of the judging panel and vice president of the International Association for Intercultural Education, was impressed by this year'€™s boost in participant numbers, as well as their improved competence in utilizing information and communications technology.

A second place prize of $20,000 was received by an Australian charity for developing Everyday Racism, a mobile application that challenges players to live a week in the life of an Aboriginal man, a Muslim woman, or an Indian student. Over the course of one week, participants receive text messages, tweets, images and videos that will challenge their assumptions, enable them to understand people from different countries and help them see the importance of speaking up when they witness racism. It offers a journey to intercultural understanding by walking in someone else'€™s shoes.

A $15,000 third place prize was awarded to the Manav Seva Sansthan '€” Society for Eco-development Voluntary Action from India for its project aimed at providing help to vulnerable Nepalese migrants along the Indo-Nepal border to prevent human trafficking and illegal migration.