Promoting inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue: UNGA adopts Pakistan-sponsored resolution

The UN General Assembly on Monday adopted a resolution, by consensus, on promoting inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue under which the 193-member body affirmed that mutual understanding and dialogue are important components of the culture of peace.
Sponsored by Pakistan and the Philippines, the 34-power text reaffirmed the solemn commitment of all States to fulfil their obligations to promote universal respect for and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Also, under the terms of the text, the Assembly encouraged member states to consider as and where appropriate, initiatives that identify areas for practical action in all sectors and levels of society for the promotion of inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, tolerance, understanding and co-operation.
States were invited to promote reconciliation to help ensure durable peace and sustained development, including through reconciliatory measures and acts of service. The resolution welcomed the efforts by the media to promote inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, while emphasising that everyone has the right to freedom of expression, and reaffirming that the exercise of this right carries with it special duties and responsibilities and may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but that these should be only such as are provided by law.
Introducing the resolution, Pakistan UN Ambassador, Masood Khan noted the growing trend towards xenophobia and religious intolerance and the emergence of new extremist ideologies in different parts of the world, and said, "The impending clash of civilisations in a globalise world is avoidable and reversible. Much of it can be traced to the growing gap in understanding, trust and tolerance among the various religions and civilisations of the world. Extremist and terrorist groups exploit this gap to propagate their own toxic agenda."
He, therefore, called for strengthening the mechanisms and actions for the promotion of dialogue and understanding among all religions and civilisations, with a view to restoring harmony and strengthening co-operation for peace and development. "Despite their differences, religions and cultures have a lot in common that can actually unite us," the Pakistani envoy said, adding that there is need to build on the shared values.