The
issued by
The World Conference on Dialogue
Organized by the Muslim World League
in
Under the Patronage of the Custodian of
the Two Holy Mosques
King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud
13 - 15 / 7 /
Corresponding to 16 - 18 / 7 / 2008CE
In response to
the kind invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah
Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the Muslim World League (MWL) organized the "World
Conference on Dialogue" in Madrid, Spain, from 16 to 18 July 2008 (13 to 15
Rajab 1429 A. H).
The participants in the Conference, which included followers of the world
religions coming from different cultures in addition to researchers and
intellectuals, expressed their profound gratitude to the Custodian of the
Two Holy Mosques for his patronage, his presence at the inauguration of the
Conference and his speech, considered as a major document of the Conference.
Furthermore, the participants expressed their gratefulness and appreciation
to His Majesty Juan Carlos I of Spain for his comprehensive welcoming
speech, to H. E. Mr. José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Prime Minister of Spain,
for his participation in the opening session and for his efforts towards
dialogue among cultures and civilizations, to the Spanish Government for
hosting the Conference in Spain, a country rich in historical heritage
common to the followers of different religions and which has contributed
substantially to the development of human civilization;
- recalled the objectives of the UN Charter which calls for making
collective efforts aimed at the enhancement of international relations, the
creation of a harmonious human community, and the promotion of dialogue as
an educated way of cooperation;
- evoked the Document of the UN General Assembly in 1994 which called for
tolerance and the spread of the culture of peace, as well as the
declarations of 1995 as the Year of Tolerance and of 2001 as the Year of
Dialogue Among Civilizations;
- acknowledged the Appeal of Makkah issued by the World Islamic Conference
on Dialogue, convened by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and
organized by the Muslim World League earlier in 2008;
- built on the agreement among the followers of religions and leading
cultures regarding the value of dialogue as the best way to achieve mutual
understanding and cooperation in human relations as well as peaceful
coexistence among nations.
In light of the above, the participants affirm the following principles:
1. The unity of humankind has existed from the origin of creation; there is
equality among human beings, irrespective of their color, ethnicity, race,
religion or culture.
2. Human beings suffer from an interior dichotomy between evil inclinations
and a love for good and justice. With divine help and the active
participation of each person, they can dominate what is evil in them and
progress on the path of good.
3. Religions strive to call forth the obedience of persons to their Creator
as well as to promote happiness, justice, security and peace for humankind.
These Religions seek to enhance ways of understanding, coexistence and
cooperation among peoples despite their differences. They also call for
spreading human moral values, wisdom and respect, rejecting all forms of
extremism and terrorism.
4. Respect for religions, their places of worship, and their symbols should
be promoted, therefore preventing the derision of what people consider
sacred.
5. Respecting human dignity, promoting human rights, fostering peace,
honoring agreements and respecting the traditions of peoples as well as
their right to security, freedom and self-determination, are the basis for
building good relations among all peoples. Achieving this is a major
objective of all religions and prominent cultures.
6. Religions, while they call for obedience to the Creator, are aware of
their capacity to offer a valid contribution in promoting moral values;
fighting against crime, terrorism, corruption and drug addiction; preserving
the institution of the family as well as protecting societies from deviant
behaviors.
7. Family is considered the basic unit of society and its nucleus, and
therefore it must be protected against any threat of disintegration as it is
the cornerstone for a secure and stable society.
8. Dialogue is one of the essentials of life. It is also one of the most
important means for peoples to become acquainted with each other, to foster
cooperation and mutual benefit and to search for truth, contributing,
therefore, to the happiness of humankind.
9. The preservation of the environment and its protection from pollution
and other dangers are considered among the major objectives for all
religions and cultures.
Mindful of the necessity of implementing the above-mentioned principles
through dialogue, the Conference reviewed the process of dialogue and its
impediments, indicating the tragedies that afflicted humanity in the 20th
century. The Conference also noted that terrorism is one of the most serious
obstacles to dialogue and peaceful coexistence, and that it is a global
phenomenon which must be confronted in a serious, responsible and just way,
requiring unified international efforts. This calls for international
agreement on defining terrorism, addressing its root causes, and promoting
justice, security and stability in the world.
Based on the above, the Conference recommends the following:
1. To reject theories that call for the clash of civilizations and cultures
and to be aware of the danger of campaigns seeking to create and deepen
conflicts, so destabilizing peace and security.
2. To enhance common human moral values, cooperate in their promotion within
societies, and to address the problems that hinder their achievement.
3. To disseminate the culture of mutual respect and understanding through
dialogue among peoples by holding conferences and symposia, as well as by
developing relevant cultural, educational and media programs.
4. To agree on international guidelines for dialogue among the followers of
religions in different cultures through which moral values and ethical
principles, which are common elements of religions, are confirmed and
supported so as to strengthen stability and achieve prosperity for all
humans.
5. To work on a document related to the promotion of respect of religions
and their symbols and the prohibition of their denigration as well as the
condemnation of such acts.
To fulfill the above-mentioned objectives formulated by this Conference, the
participants have agreed on adopting the following:
1. Forming a working group to study the problems which hinder dialogue and
prevent it from realizing its desired objectives. The group would also
prepare a study that provides a vision for the solutions to these problems.
2. Promoting cooperation among religious, cultural, educational, and media
institutions to deepen and consolidate ethical values, to encourage
constructive social practices and to confront immoral behavior, family
disintegration and other such degeneration.
3. Organizing inter-religious and inter-cultural meetings, conducting
research, executing media programs and using Internet and other media for
the dissemination of the culture of peace, understanding and harmonious
coexistence.
4. Promoting the practice of dialogue among religions, civilizations and
cultures through educational, cultural and media activities, taking into
consideration particularly younger generations.
5. Informing the United Nations General Assembly of the results reached by
this Conference.
In abiding by the above agreed principles and concepts, the participants
emphasized that it is important for this World Conference on Dialogue to
continue; consequently, sessions should be held periodically.
The participants extended their profound gratitude to the Custodian of the
Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud for his initiative
and invitation to this World Conference on Dialogue. They also express their
appreciation to the Muslim World League and other organizations that
cooperated in organizing this Conference. They encouraged the MWL to
continue its efforts in the fields of dialogue and cooperation among nations
and peoples, hoping that their common aspirations can be fulfilled.
Issued in