NAM meeting cites youth and women's role in peace-building - Summary

Manila - A conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Philippines Thursday cited the vital roles of young people and women in promoting world peace through interfaith dialogue. Delegates to the two-day NAM conference called for the strengthening of mechanisms that will give women and youth enhanced roles in peace building.

They approved a nine-page Manila Declaration that outlined steps that governments can take to boost efforts for greater respect and tolerance among cultures and religions.

The declaration recommended "the development of mechanisms by which the role of women in interfaith activity can be further recognized, including through the establishment of the women's interfaith fora."

It also called for the "strengthening of multi-religious youth networks across regions, encouraging cooperation, including through exchange programs."

It specifically supported the initiative made by Lebanon to establish in Beirut an international center for dialogue among civilizations and cultures.

The Manila declaration encouraged media programs and initiatives that allow for better understanding of other countries' cultures and religions.

It also called for the establishment of centers for interfaith studies in universities as well as the promotion of "touristic destinations and activities that aim to increase awareness of and better appreciation of other cultures and religions."

Princess Hajah Masna, ambassador-at-large of Brunei's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, expressed hope that the declaration would become an effective guide in moving forward efforts to achieve tolerance and understanding among the world's different faiths and cultures.

She said the strengthening of youth networks and cultural exchange programs would enhance mutual respect and understanding among cultures and religions.

"We are a firm believer that education is the key to attaining respect and tolerance for diverse faiths and cultures," she said at the meeting.

"We see the involvement of youth and students as vital to achieving our aspirations," she added. "What we aim to achieve ultimately would be for our new generation to contribute to this noble quest."

Masna also cited the importance of promoting people-to-people contacts through tourism as another effective tool in generating interest and appreciation for different histories, ways of life, cultures and faiths.

"This will promote confidence and trust for further socio-economic advancement," she said.

"I would also like to highlight the importance of the media," the princess said. "It is a medium between people and nations that allows cultures and religions to meet. It has the potential to translate shared values of peace amongst civilizations into practical actions."

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/314686,nam-meeting-cites-youth-and-womens-role-in-peace-building--summary.html.