Egypt’s Ministry of Endowment announced the inauguration of an international center for interfaith dialogue to consolidate the foundations of coexistence and encourage cultural exchange in the world.
The proceedings of the 31st International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the “Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue”, were concluded on Sunday under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and in the presence of prominent figures and scholars from Arab and African countries.
At the concluding session, participants said constructive dialogue is the best mean to prevent the conflicts between cultures and civilizations.
Peace could only be achieved through dialogue, they noted, rejecting linking extremism and terrorism to any religion.
They further refused to include religion in electoral and political conflicts and warned that insulting religion threatens international security and peace and results in more violence and extremism.
The Cairo Document for Dialogue was declared at the end of the conference. It stressed the importance of working to spread dialogue, tolerance and respect for the opinions of others.
It highlighted the media’s role in supporting values of tolerance and rejecting violence.
According to the document, it is important to establish an international media code of honor that brings together freedom of expression and opinion and respect for cultures and religions.
Constructive dialogue distances interlocutors from all forms of stagnation and arrogance and requires them to respect others’ opinions, the document noted.
It stated that respecting religious sanctities and symbols strongly contributes to achieving world peace and encourages interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
The conference recommended issuing an international charter that criminalizes any assault of religious sanctities and symbols and addresses hate speech and racism by considering them crimes that jeopardize international peace and security.
