Bridging of faiths important for global understand
3 March 2005
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| The Forum's theme of religious diversity aimed to identify multi-faith initiatives to promote a shared vision for integration and cohesion in society. |
Mr Banerji said: "It is imperative that this Forum deepens understanding between and about faiths, in order that, not just centuries-old but 21st century misconceptions, suspicions and prejudices can be laid to rest. Your deliberations can and must also respond positively to the growing dialogue and co-operation between different faiths on public issues."
He pointed out that the Forum's theme of religious diversity aimed to identify multi-faith initiatives to promote a shared vision for integration and cohesion in society. The Commonwealth Foundation and the Australian Multicultural Foundation -- supporters of the Forum -- should continue to put diversity in the forefront of global discourse and dialogue.
"By achieving this, you would have contributed to the promotion of international understanding and dialogue in a world beset by antagonisms, conflicts, hatred and distrust. A culture of peace, built through dialogue in all facets of human endeavour, is the foundation on which the edifice of sustainable development can stand."
Mr Banerji stated that the Commonwealth leaders took a lead in promoting diversity when they agreed at a meeting in Singapore in 1971 to "… expand human understanding and understanding among nations, assist in the elimination of discrimination based on differences of race, colour or creed, maintain and strengthen personal liberty …"
He noted that the Commonwealth has diversity in common and in this diversity, lies its wealth. Diversity was integral to an association which spans the entire globe, with 1.8 billion people in the Commonwealth, straddling every continent.
"The modern Commonwealth is about peoples of different ethnicity, religious affiliation and cultural backgrounds, as well as different levels of development, who are bound by a shared sense of history and by common conventions, values and aspirations. It is this unity in diversity that we celebrate in the Commonwealth because we believe that it is the foundation of wider, global understanding and co-operation.
"Diversity makes the Commonwealth a unique mosaic. Consensual decision-making renders the association even more special. It is crucial that diversity in our societies is seen as a strength, not a liability; that is appreciated, not deprecated; and that is honoured and not hounded."
Mr Banerji said India, which is the Commonwealth's largest member state, has shown the world how a developing country can, through its strong democratic and secular traditions, harness its diversity and build a united and dynamic nation.
Responding to the challenges of integration as well as political, cultural and religious diversities in the Commonwealth is not easy. Mr Banerji explained that the Commonwealth Secretariat, through the 'good offices' role of the Secretary-General, uses diplomacy and dialogue for the prevention and resolution of conflicts among member states. This, he said, has led to an environment conducive for political, social and economic development.
CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 224 2 March 2005
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