MANILA, Philippines?Ministers and heads of delegations of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) of developing countries, who met for a three-day special session here, signed a declaration calling for respect of cultural and religious diversity, and promoting tolerance and interfaith dialogues and related confidence-building measures among members.

Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo said participants in the Special Non-Aligned Movement Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development (SNAMM) were pleased with the outcome of the meeting as well as the adoption of the Manila Declaration.

?We now have a landmark Manila Declaration that identifies and reaffirms the importance of key principles crucial in the achievement of peace and development through interfaith dialogue,? Romulo said at a press briefing.

Core values

?The Manila Declaration covers the full breadth and depth of the human aspiration for peace and is anchored on the core values we hold dear?mutual understanding, respect and tolerance,? he said.

Romulo said the document also recognized the valuable role that key stakeholders play in maximizing interfaith dialogue as a tool for peace and development. These include civil society and religious groups, the media, the academe, women and the youth.

The 118-member NAM is pledged to implement the 24-point Manila Declaration and its ?program of action on interfaith dialogue and cooperation for peace and development? in the areas of human rights, culture of tolerance and basic issues of fundamental freedoms.

These include the strengthening of constructive dialogues on faiths and cultures; preventing cultural homogenization and uniculturalism; and promoting respect for diverse religions, beliefs, cultures and societies, and for prophets, religious symbols and personalities.

A must, not an option

Under the declaration, NAM member-countries reaffirmed that dialogue among cultures, civilizations, and religions should be a durable process and that it is not an option but a must in promoting economic and social development, peace and security and human rights.

The declaration also called on member-governments to seek the assistance of religious and spiritual leaders of standing in resolving inter-communal conflicts and tensions.

It recommends the development of mechanisms by which the role of women interfaith activity can be further recognized, and the strengthening of multi-religious youth networks across regions, through exchange and training programs.

Made in New York

The bulk of the work on the declaration was done in New York by the Philippine and Egyptian missions to the United Nations.

The SNAMM was attended by more than 120 ministers and heads of delegations from 118 member-countries. It was the biggest intergovernmental gathering to celebrate 2010 as the International Year of Rapprochement Among Cultures.