The Forum , as it is called often , is a global event which takes place every 3 years , in a different city each time . Its purpose is to unite citizens from a varied range of cultures , languages , religions for inter-cultural dialogue . The Forum , as it is commonly referred to , is a global event which takes place every 4 years , in a different city each time , and seeks to reunite citizens from a varied range of cultures , languages , religions to foster inter-cultural dialogue and to promote global civil society empowerment .