16 January 2007, Madrid, Spain – The Philippine initiative for global cross-cultural, interfaith dialogue and understanding received broad support at the inaugural Alliance of Civilizations Forum here, signifying a widening stakeholder appreciation for dialogue as an instrument of international peace and tool against extremism. 

Following Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo’s speech delivered entirely in Spanish at the first day of the Forum, he called for greater global cross-cultural and interfaith understanding in order to “bridge differences between nations and peoples,” Representatives of participating States affirmed the importance of interfaith dialogue as a basic element in achieving the objectives of the Alliance of Civilizations (AoC). 

Russia, India, Brazil, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria and Macedonia among others, recognized during the Forum that faith and religion were vital aspects of civilization and culture and would be key in the success of the AoC’s programs for the youth, media and education. 

Secretary Romulo emphasized during the High-Level Political Dialogue of the Forum that “A key element in the fight against extremism being adopted in the Philippines is interfaith dialogue, an official framework for government reconciliation programs.” 

“Our national experience in building better understanding, greater tolerance and meaningful peace through interfaith dialogue inspired us to share this with the world,” explained Secretary Romulo during the Forum. 

Reacting to Secretary Romulo’s speech, Russian Federation Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Yakovenko called on the AoC to support rather than marginalize the different international interfaith programs. 

The Philippines is an active advocate of interfaith dialogue at the United Nations and regional fora and has led and sustained vital programs and activities with international support and participation, including the High Level Dialogue on Inter-Religious and Intercultural Understanding for Peace, the Tripartite Forum on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace, and the Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace. 

The Alliance of Civilizations is an initiative of the UN Secretary General, with Spain and Turkey as co-sponsors.  The AoC seeks to avert a “clash of civilizations between the East and the West.

“Our message is that interfaith and intercivilizational dialogues can co-exist to ensure broader appreciation for humanity’s diversity,” said Secretary Romulo after his speech at the Forum.

“There is not one road to peace.  The more roads we make, the more people can take the journey to our shared aspiration of greater peace and understanding,” stressed Secretary Romulo.

“We are thankful for the expressions of support of our partners in the international community for the interfaith dialogue.  We look forward to working closely with like-minded partners in pursuit of our common goals,” added Secretary Romulo.

Over 350 participants from 73 countries including the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, more than 70 accredited media personnel, and about 30 international companies, civil society groups and religious groups are participating in the two-day Forum.

The Forum provides the opportunity to discuss, share and conciliate sensitivities among representatives of various sectors in the world community.

The Forum is expected to announce various initiatives, including important projects aimed at promoting greater understanding among cultures through the media, involvement of the youth, and commitments between Governments and multilateral organizations. END