UN adopts Pak resolution on interfaith dialogue

UNITED NATIONS—The United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution titled “Promotion of Inter-religious and Intercultural Dialogue, understanding and Cooperation for Peace”. The resolution, jointly tabled by Pakistan and Philippines in the General Assembly on Wednesday, while 51 member states of the United Nations co-sponsored the resolution.
The resolution makes a number of important proposals including the convening of a high level dialogue on inter-religious and intercultural cooperation for the promotion of tolerance, understanding and respect on matters of religion, belief and cultural diversity.
In deciding to consider declaring one of the years as the year of Dialogue Among Religions and Cultures, the resolution also Requests the Secretary General to designate a focal point in the UN Secretariat for follow up of all inter-religious, intercultural and inter-civilizational matters.
More significantly, the resolution also underlines that the exercise of the right to freedom of expression by media with responsibility and restrictions as provided by law and as necessary for the respect of rights and reputation of others, protection of national security or public order and of public health or morals.
The resolution represents an important step in global efforts to promote mutual respect, dialogue and understanding between different cultures and religions. Its adoption by consensus and the huge number of co-sponsorships reflects increasing international awareness for need for such dialogue and cooperation.
Pakistan’s leadership role on this vitally important issue and its efforts to forge a consensus on it is in line with Government’s policy to promote understanding and mutual respect and dialogue among cultures, religions and civilizations.
Pakistan on Thursday hailed the adoption by consensus of a United Nations Resolution on “Promotion of Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace.” The resolution jointly tabled by Pakistan and Philippines and co-sponsored by 51 member states was adopted by the UN on Wednesday.
“The resolution represents an important step in global efforts to promote mutual respect, dialogue and understanding between different cultures and religions”, a statement issued by the office of the Foreign Office Spokesperson said. “Its adoption by consensus and the huge number of co-sponsorships reflects increasing international awareness for need of such dialogue and cooperation”, the statement said.
The statement further said that Pakistan’s leadership role on this vitally important issue and its efforts to forge a consensus on it was in line with government’s policy to promote understanding and mutual respect and dialogue among cultures, religions and civilizations. The resolution makes a number of important proposals including the convening of a high level dialogue on interreligious and intercultural cooperation for the promotion of tolerance, understanding and respect on matters of religion, belief and cultural diversity.—Agencies