let us not be defined by differences, Secretary-General urges in message

 

to leaders of world and traditional religions

 

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to the Third Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, delivered by Sergei Ordzhonikidze, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, in Astana, Kazakhstan, today, 1 July:

It gives me pleasure to greet all the participants in the Third Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.  I thank President [Nursultan] Nazarbayev and the Government of Kazakhstan for bringing together religious leaders from across the world in much-needed dialogue.

The universal values of tolerance, respect, mutual understanding and the equal worth of every human being are found in all great faiths and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  People of all religions carry the same aspiration to live in peace and dignity.  As a single human family, we face common challenges that can be confronted only if we draw on the contributions of people of all beliefs.

Multiple crises and economic uncertainty challenge the cohesion of our societies.  Extremists continue to entrench divisions and turn communities against each other.  The need for mutual support and solidarity is greater than ever.

As religious leaders, you have an important role.  You can set an example of moderation.  You can dispel myths and misunderstanding, and open minds to what we can learn from each other.  As spiritual guides, you can ensure that elements of your faiths are not distorted, taken out of context or used as vehicles for hatred and violence.  And as unifying symbols, you can help to address feelings of frustration and alienation among your followers that could be exploited by extremists.

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations provides a forum where religious leaders can build bridges with other stakeholders.  I hope your discussions will feed into that initiative, which seeks to break down prejudice and overcome polarization.  Let us not be defined or constrained by our differences.  Let us instead focus on what unites us, regardless of individual beliefs.  I urge you to spread a powerful message of peace and of the virtue of diversity.  Please accept my best wishes for a successful Congress.

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For information media • not an official record