Spotlight on Faith and Development

"We will all benefit from learning about what is going on among different faith-based groups, including their roles in celebrating and sustaining cultural identities." - Dr Mark Collins

Representatives of some of the world's major faiths meet in Malta next week to examine the influence of faith on development, poverty and conflict. At a day-long dialogue at the Commonwealth People's Forum on 24 November 2005, they will also discuss how to promote tolerance, respect and understanding of the different faiths.

Dr Mark Collins, Director of the Commonwealth Foundation, which is organising the dialogue, said: "The rise of intolerance and terrorism is a major threat to global stability, causing conflict, uncontrolled migration and distrust between communities. We are all too aware of the consequences in Nairobi, New York, Bali, Madrid and London. The 'Dialogue on Faith and Development' will look at ways to build understanding, tackle extremism and build a global society alongside the global market.

"It offers an opportunity for participants to better understand different cultures and faith groups. This will open up avenues to work more closely together for socio-economic development. The Commonwealth is a network of people and organisations, and we feel it is important to give faith-based groups in our diverse association a platform to share their perspectives. Many of the values that the Commonwealth promotes, such as peace, tolerance, human rights and justice, are shared by faith groups, which teach their followers to live sustainably and in harmony with others."

Among the speakers will be Dr Farhan Nizami, Director of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies; Rev. Professor Peter Serracino-Inglott, former Rector of the University of Malta; Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor Dr James Movel Wuye of the Muslim-Christian Dialogue Forum, Nigeria; Dr Mazher Hussain, Director of the Confederation of Voluntary Associations, India; Dev S Sindhu, Chairperson, Pan-Commonwealth Youth Caucus; and Hass Dellal, Australian Multicultural Foundation.

Their presentations will be followed by workshops focusing on democracy, development and cultural understanding; the way forward for collaboration between faith-based groups to advance Commonwealth priorities; and enhancing engagement and support for faith-based groups.

Dr Collins stated that faith-based groups in the Commonwealth play an important role in improving the lives of our people, in delivering services and in helping to address development issues. He also noted that misunderstandings between different faiths can be a source of tension and conflict, which threaten tolerance and understanding.

"We will all benefit from learning about what is going on among different faith-based groups, including their roles in celebrating and sustaining cultural identities. The Foundation is also seeking their advice on the development of a programme to strengthen culture and diversity in the Commonwealth," said Dr Collins.

 

CNIS - Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 261, 16 November 2005

Key Links:

• Commonwealth Foundation