Joint Statement. At the end of the conference the participants agreed upon the following objectives.

Transcription

1 Joint Statement The interfaith Academic Conference on Security, Peace and Coexistence was held at Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Yangon in joint partnership with the Institute for Global Engagement on 1-2 October The conference further deepened interfaith understanding among religious leaders of multi- religious and multi-ethnic societies. It was attended by (226) participants including government officials, academics, and religious leaders from different parts of the world and over 200 observers. The conference addressed common challenges on security and peace at the regional and global levels. At the end of the conference the participants agreed upon the following objectives. - We understand that this dialogue is the beginning of the beginning and that this dialogue must take practical form at the local level. - We recognize the need for frequent discussion and conference 1

2 among the leaders of different faiths in a spirit of mutual respect. - We believe that peace and security are the two indispensable factors, to which all faiths contribute, and without which all religion cannot co-exist to prosper. - We note that we cannot co-exist practically without the security of mind. To have the security of mind, efforts should be made to maintain the teaching of all professed faiths. - We will strive to find common ground by adopting the concept of unity in diversity. - We will endeavour to build bridges of practical cooperation in our multi-religious and multi-ethnic societies for better understanding of other religions and reduction of tension. - We consider that poverty is a significant cause of conflict and religious leaders should work together to serve their common neighbour. - We feel that there is a need to empower and include the youth and women utilizing their resources in enhancing the interfaith action. 2

3 - We recognize the vital role of media and will include them as equally responsible stakeholders in our dialogue at the national and local level. - We need to balance modern education with moral education. - We urge the people to build a happy and meaningful life by virtue of truth. - We note the importance of education in developing national identity and multi-faith consciousness. 3

4 1. Venerable Dr. Ashin Ñyāņissara Signature... Chancellor of Sitagū International Buddhist Academies Honorary Professor of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, Chairman of International Association of Theravada Buddhist Universities, Chairman of the board of director (TDSA) 2. Arch Bishop Charles Bo Signature... Catholic Bishops' Conference of 3. Dr. Chris Seiple Signature... President of Institute for Global Engagement (IGE), Washington D.C, U.S. A 4. Rev. Saw Shwe Lin Signature... The Council of Churches 5. Professor. Dr. Saw Hlaing Bwa Signature... The Institute of Theology, 4

5 6. H.E U Hla Maung Signature... Ambassador (Rtd) President of Interfaith Dialogue Group, 7. U Aye Lwin Signature... Chief Convener The Islamic Centre of (Islam), 8. Ven. Dr. Dhammasami Signature... University Of Oxford, Oxford, UK 9. Ven. Dr. Dammapiya Signature... Pro-Rector International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Yangon, 10. Dr. Myo Myint Signature... Former Director General of Religious Affairs and Chairman of Rakine Investigation Commission Yangon, 5

6 11. Prof Dr. Hla Tun Signature... Representative of Hindus Pro-Rector, State Pariyatti Sasana Universtity of Yangon, 12. Christy Vines Signature... Senior Vice President for Global Initiatives & Strategy, U.S. A 13. Qibla Ayaz Signature... Professor, Dean, Faculty of Islamic and Oriental studies, University of Peshawar, Pakistan 14. Alma Sultangaliea Signature... Advisor to the Director of the Institute of World Economy and Politics, Kazakhstan 15. Ulugbeck Khasanov Signature... Associate Professor at the University of World Economics & Diplomacy, Uzbekistan 6

7 16. Amina Rasul Bernardo Signature... President, Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, Philippine 17. Eugene Tan Signature... Academic Professor of Law, Management University Singapore, Singapore 18. James Chen Signature... Researcher (IGE) U.S.A 19. Lindsay Kuntz Signature... Special Assistant for Administration and Outreach, U.S.A 20. Rashid Ahmad Signature Assistant Professor, Shaykh Zayed Islamic Centre, University of Peshawar, Pakistan 7

8 21. Amir Rana Signature... Director, Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies, Pakistan 22. Stephen Heyneman Signature... Professor, International Ed. Policy, Vanderbilt University, U.S.A 23. Robert Walter Winter Jr Signature... U.S.A 24. Fr. Joseph Maung Win Signature... Catholic Bishops' Conference of 25. Alhaj Dr. Saung Lwin Aung Signature... 8

9 26. Alhaj U Ming Naing Signature Alhaj U Mya Than Signature U Aung Naing Signature Daw Kathleen Thain Signature Zin Ko Hein Signature Fr. Mouris Nyut Wai Signature Fr. Amal Signature... 9

10 33. Fr. Thomas Signature U Saw Patrick Lu Ne Signature... 10