JEDDAH: About 30 world leaders including Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, US President George W. Bush, Lebanese President Michel Suleiman and President Gloria Arroyo of the Philippines are expected to attend the interfaith dialogue conference at the United Nations in New York on Nov. 12.
Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann, president of the UN General Assembly, has sent invitations to leaders of 192 member countries, informed sources said, adding that the conference would focus on the importance of promoting interfaith dialogue in order to strengthen world peace and stability.
The UN interfaith conference, which is the first of its kind, is being held at the initiative of King Abdullah and on the recommendations of the World Dialogue Conference that was held in Madrid in July.
King Abdullah announced last week that he would go to America for the interfaith dialogue conference. He emphasized the importance of the New York conference as it comes at a time when the world is criticizing Islam. “It is regrettable that some of our sons have been tempted by Satan or the brothers of Satan,” the king added, referring to Muslim militants involved in terrorist attacks around the world. “Nothing can purify (Islam’s reputation) except for the extension of Muslims’ hands to their brothers in other religions.”
Other prominent leaders expected to attend the conference are: King Juan Carlos of Spain, President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan, King Abdallah of Jordan and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon first announced the world body’s plan to hold the conference while attending Saudi Arabia’s National Day ceremony at the United Nations. “I have been working with King Abdullah and Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal on the interfaith dialogue,” he said. “I personally believe that the dialogue between followers of various faiths will contribute to solving many international conflicts.”
Ban described the Madrid conference as a symbol of unity among different faiths, adding that he hoped it would contribute to healing divisions and building a more secure and stable world. “This event is itself a potent symbol of unity among different traditions. Our challenge is to see this expression of solidarity turned into a genuine force for good,” Ban said in a message to the Madrid conference.
