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June 01, 2005
Updated 08:17am (Mla time)

Inquirer News Service INQ7.net


THE COUNTRY'S increasing use of Christian-Muslim dialogues to win peace in Mindanao has earned the Philippines a lead role in the United Nations efforts to replicate the same practice in conflict areas around the world.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said on Monday the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization [UNESCO] has adopted an RP-led resolution dubbed the “Promotion of Interreligious Dialogue” as its flagship activity for 2006 and 2007.

Ambassador Lauro Baja, permanent representative of the Philippines to the United Nations, conveyed this significant development to Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo.

Such recognition from UNESCO came after the Philippine experience in interfaith dialogues -- from the local, national and regional levels -- had been offered as a “model for other countries,” the DFA said.

Among the examples cited were the Bishops-Ulama Forum, a body of influential community leaders representing Christians, Muslims, and indigenous peoples in Mindanao; the Peace Center based in Zamboanga; and the group Mindanao Peaceweavers.

In adopting the Philippine action as its primary activity in the next two years, UNESCO said: “There is a growing recognition that inter-religious dialogue must be used as a vehicle to contribute to social cohesion and stability everywhere…[It should] promote dialogue between individuals and leaders of different religions, faiths, and convictions with a view to increasing mutual knowledge about spiritual traditions and underlying values, thus enhancing the understanding among the wider cultural communities.”

Romulo said UNESCO's decision “gives our country great pride and validates our government's commitment to harnessing interreligious cooperation as an important means to pursue peace.”

Recognizing its importance as a key strategy to build peace and prevent conflict, the Philippines adopted inter-faith dialogue in its 2004 to 2010 Medium-Term Development Plan, and also initiated its adoption at the 59th session of the UN General Assembly and the Fifth Summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting.

United Nations


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