Though More Connected, World Can Only Be More United by Finding Shared Solutions for Shared Humanity, Secretary-General Tells Parliament of World’s Religions

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, delivered by Adama Dieng, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, to the 2015 Parliament of the World’s Religions, in Salt Lake City, United States, today:

I am pleased to convey my greetings to all those taking part in the 2015 Parliament of the World’s Religions.  I know you may come from different religious traditions, but you have a shared faith in humanity.  That is the spirit that brings you to Salt Lake City.

We are living through a time of turbulence, tension and transition.  Societies are more diverse, but intolerance is on the rise.  We see growing and violent extremism, radicalism and widening conflicts that are characterized by a fundamental disregard for human life.  We see heightened hostility and discrimination towards people crossing borders in search of safety or opportunities denied to them at home.  Hate crimes and other forms of intolerance mar too many communities, often stoked by irresponsible leaders seeking political gain.

I strongly believe in engaging with religious leaders because of your profound influence in your communities and your commitment to dignity and mutual respect.  I have long championed interfaith dialogue and met with many faith leaders because I know we have much to gain from your moral leadership.

We are a more connected world, thanks to technology.  But we can only be a more united world through efforts like yours to reach out, find common ground and work for shared solutions for our shared humanity.

Last month, world leaders adopted the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.  It is a people-centred, planet-friendly blueprint to end poverty and leave no one behind.  I urge you to take these global goals and work together with us to help make them a reality in your communities and the wider global community.

As we seek to tackle peace, development and human rights challenges around the world, I thank you for your engagement and look forward to strengthening our common efforts to build a sustainable world and a life of dignity and social justice for all.