JEDDAH: The United Nations has decided to hold a special session of the General Assembly at the level of world leaders in New York on Nov. 12-13 to discuss the interfaith dialogue initiative taken by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. This was announced yesterday by Faisal bin Muammar, secretary-general of King Abdul Aziz National Dialogue Center while addressing the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group at the Jeddah Conference Palace.
“This is an international achievement for Saudi Arabia and for those who work for promoting dialogue between various religious faiths and ideologies,” Muammar told Saudi and Russian officials attending the three-day forum.
He said the UN took the decision in the light of recommendations made by the World Interfaith Dialogue Conference in Madrid. “Saudi Arabia has opened a new era in international relations with the launch of King Abdullah’s interfaith dialogue initiative,” he added.
Muammar said cultural and interfaith dialogues were essential in order to promote world peace. “King Abdullah has rejected the idea of a clash of civilizations and urged intellectuals to adopt the principle of dialogue and mutual understanding. He has agreed to establish an international center for cultural dialogue and cooperation in Poland,” he said.
Muammar emphasized the need to promote the values of love, tolerance, moderation, and fight extremism, prejudice and hatred that often lead to conflicts and terrorism. “All religions teach noble values and emphasize love and peace. They insist their followers be trustworthy, tolerant, kind and chaste. All these values shape the behavior of their followers, bringing goodness and peace to other members of society,” he said.
Muammar said all human civilizations should get equal treatment. “Every civilization is part and parcel of human heritage and complements one another. Cultural diversity is a valuable asset that we should be proud of,” he added.
He described Islam as a source of light for the whole world. “I would like to emphasize an important point that Islam emphasized more than 14 centuries ago that differences and diversity are natural human realities and it set out the principles for dealing with the differences and diversities,” he said.
Muammar said Saudi Arabia had won respect for its moderate policies and reacting responsibly to global events. “Dialogue promotes openness and freedom of expression, and prevents bias and seclusion. It will take us to greater progress and prosperity,” he said.
