Focus On - High-Level Conversation on Religions for Peace

The President of the General Assembly  convened a High-Level Conversation on “Religions for Peace”, was held on Friday, 6 May, 2016, in the Trusteeship Council Chamber of the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

"Today, the values of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect for faiths and cultures seem more and more to be under pressure in the midst of political upheaval, conflicts and civil strife. Across the world, societies are facing challenges from those who purposefully misconstrue religion to try to lend legitimacy to their crimes and acts of terrorism. In this regard, nations and States should collaborate to address root causes, overcome misunderstandings between societies, cultures and civilizations, within the framework of the UN Charter and relevant international law as well as relevant General Assembly decisions, applicable UN Security Council resolutions and collective efforts such as the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and other pertinent sources."

A high-level conversation on “Religions for Peace” is an occasion for the membership of the United Nations and other relevant stakeholders, including representatives of different faith traditions, to recall the significance of maintaining respectful tolerance across diverse cultures and religions and to address violent extremism and terrorism, including giving further consideration to the recently unveiled Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, and to reiterate the principles of relevant Security Council resolutions on terrorism.

Religions for Peace is the largest international coalition of representatives from the world’s religions dedicated to promoting peace founded in 1970.

International Secretariat headquarters is in New York City, with Regional Conferences in Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa and the Americas with more than 90 affiliates at the national level, and a number of local units. Religions for Peace enjoys consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), with UNESCO and with UNICEF. Dr. William F Vendley is its Secretary General.

This non-governmental organization (NGO) serves on all continents representing 90 countries; it networks with World Council of senior religious leaders while respecting religious differences, common humanity and the influence of peace within every religion. This organization has created inter-religious partnerships to confront most dire issues such as stopping war, ending poverty and protecting the earth. Religions for Peace was founded in 1970 and supported by various foundations, governments, intergovernmental organizations, religious communities, religiously affiliated development agencies and individuals.

 

Respect for different faiths ‘bedrock’ and ‘prerequisite’ of world peace, UN General Assembly told

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=53880#.Vy9jWsspDqA