GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOLDS DIALOGUE ON INTERRELIGIOUS AND INTERCULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOLDS DIALOGUE ON INTERRELIGIOUS AND INTERCULTURAL UNDERSTANDING
New York, Oct 4 2007 9:00AM
The United Nations General Assembly today opens its first-ever formal, high-level dialogue on issues of interreligious and intercultural understanding and cooperation.

Freedom of religion and belief and the need for respect for a diversity of religions and cultures are on the agenda as delegates open the session, which is being convened by Assembly President Srgjan Kerim. An informal interactive hearing with civil society representatives is also being held to provide a platform for exchange of views among Member States and civil society, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector.

Among those slated to participate are leading academics, religious leaders and other civil society representatives. The High Representative of the Secretary-General for the Alliance of Civilizations, Jorge Sampaio, will address the interactive informal hearing.

At its last session, on 20 December 2006, the Assembly adopted a resolution on the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace which encouraged Member States, the UN system and civil society to carry out a range of initiatives in an effort to promote understanding, tolerance and respect for diversity of religion, belief, culture and language.

General Assembly holds dialogue on interreligious and intercultural understanding

The United Nations General Assembly today opens its first-ever formal, high-level dialogue on issues of interreligious and intercultural understanding and cooperation.

Freedom of religion and belief and the need for respect for a diversity of religions and cultures are on the agenda as delegates open the session, which is being convened by Assembly President Srgjan Kerim. An informal interactive hearing with civil society representatives is also being held to provide a platform for exchange of views among Member States and civil society, including non-governmental
(NGOs) and the private sector.

Among those slated to participate are leading academics, religious leaders and other civil society representatives. The High Representative of the Secretary-General for the Alliance of Civilizations, Jorge Sampaio, will address the interactive informal hearing.

At its last session, on 20 December 2006, the Assembly adopted a resolution on the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace which encouraged Member States, the UN system and civil society to carry out a range of initiatives in an effort to promote understanding, tolerance and respect for diversity of religion, belief, culture and language.

2007-10-04 00:00:00.000

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