We, the participants in the Bilateral Conference between the Republic of the Philippines and the Islamic Republic of Iran on the Dialogue Among Civilizations, held in Makati City, Philippines, from 04 to 06 August 2003,

Recognizing that all civilizations are equally unique and dynamic actors in the world and that no single civilization can assume or represent the whole of humanity;

Emphasizing that a common humanity underlines all civilizations while tolerance for and greater understanding of the diversity of civilizations significantly contributes towards the attainment of peace and the advancement of all humankind;

 Upholding the idea of a Dialogue Among Civilizations as initiated by President Mohammed Khatami of the Islamic Republic of Iran for a fruitful and peaceful dialogue among cultures and civilizations in order to build a world based on justice and true equality.

Noting that the concept of a Dialogue Among Civilizations is a new paradigm that is emerging in the conduct of international relations;
 
Recalling the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 56/6 of 21 November 2001, which defines dialogue among civilizations as a process between and within civilizations, founded on inclusion, and a collective desire to learn, uncover, and examine assumptions, unfold shared meaning and core values, and integrate multiple perspectives through dialogue;

Recalling the UNESCO Universal Declaration on cultural diversity of 2 November 2001, which affirmed that respect for the diversity of culture, tolerance, dialogue, and cooperation, in a climate of mutual trust and understanding, are among the best guarantees for international peace and security;

Reaffirming the importance of Dialogue Among Civilizations as a political act and the meaningful contribution this bilateral dialogue can make in fostering an environment of tolerance and peace, and in learning important lessons on the development of awareness and appreciation of one another’s points of view on a variety of issues;

Realizing that education has a crucial role in the development of a long-term and meaningful dialogue among civilizations:

Hereby agree to:

1. Support the call for all governments and civil societies to actively promote a policy of genuine and sincere dialogue among and within nations, as well as the call for an initiative in the United Nations for the establishment of an inter-faith council, that will lead to respect for and appreciation of cultural diversity in the context of upholding the dignity of individuals and the collective identities of peoples, and thus avoid clashes of civilizations;

2. Express our firm determination to plan and implement appropriate cultural, educational, and social programs that promote awareness of and respect for the diversity of cultures while emphasizing common values that are shared by all civilizations, including the intrinsic belief in the sanctity of human life and dignity;

3. Recognize the special and constructive role of women in the process of the Dialogue Among Civilizations;

4. Commit ourselves to utilize and take advantage of the global phenomenon of interconnectedness and the emergence of a borderless world to further unite people towards the creation of an understanding and caring global society that aspires for the welfare of all humankind;

5. Encourage the practical use of global resources and new technologies, particularly the media and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT), in order to facilitate the attainment of a genuine dialogue among peoples;

6. Promote the establishment of dialogues among the different cultures that comprise our respective national societies in order to gain a better understanding of ourselves and to appreciate our own identities, with a view towards the acceptance and appreciation of other civilizations in a holistic manner;

7. Support the initiatives of the international community, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, as well as other relevant international and non-governmental organizations, in facilitating and sustaining dialogue among civilizations and in fostering greater understanding of various cultures;

8. Commit ourselves to initiate the implementation of concrete activities such as conferences, educational exchanges, dissemination of publications and other sources of information, and the strengthening of social, national, and global institutions, with a view towards nurturing a Human Society that upholds peace, non-violence, solidarity, and development.
 

Makati City, Philippines