THE NEED FOR A NEW SPIRIT AND CULTURE OF DIALOGUE

AMONG THE MUSLIM WORLD AND THE WEST

 

Statement by Mr. Michael Karlen

Secretary General

Comprehensive Dialogue among Civilizations

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Dear Chairman,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

It is with an immense pleasure that I am here among you today at this significant International Conference on Islamic Civilization in Central Asia. I would like to express first my deep appreciation and gratitude to the organizers for their kind invitation and their tremendous efforts to bring this conference to life.

 

I am well aware that the main part of this conference is dedicated to different aspects of Islamic Civilization in Central Asia. Coming from Geneva, Switzerland and speaking about ways to improve relations between the Muslim World and the West, I see myself therefore more as bridge to the West.

 

1. Introduction

The NGO Comprehensive Dialogue among Civilizations (CDAC)

Building bridges and bringing people together is also very much the core mission of the organisation that I represent here today. The Non Governmental Organisation Comprehensive Dialogue among Civilizations was founded in 2003 as a Non-Profit organisation by Dr. Vladimir Petrovsky, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva (1993 – 2002). Some of you may also remember Dr.  Petrovsky as First Deputy Foreign Minister of the former Soviet Union under President Mikhail Gorbachev.

 

Mission and Goals

Our organisation aims to promote and develop comprehensive Dialogue among Civilizations as an essential way to advance and strengthen security, peace and development.

Our goal is to initiate, coordinate and implement related research and action-oriented programs in partnership with other stakeholders.

We have already established a comprehensive Website where we list over 200 dialogue related organizations, publications, events, good examples and also related news from around the world. 

We are currently working on a research project called the “Golden Rules of Dialogue” which should produce techniques and tools for dialogue and also be the basis for teaching materials for academic and high school levels in education. In this connection I am also preparing a lecture presentation for Universities that should also include film and music. Additionally we are planning smaller regular dialogue meetings for students in Geneva in the upcoming months.

 

Partnerships

We have established first partnerships with the Culture of Peace Foundation in Spain of fromer UNESCO Secreatry General Federico Mayor, President Gorbachev’s “World Political Forum” and we are currently in contact with the newly formed UN initiative Alliance of Civilizations to discuss possible ways of cooperation.

I will speak about this initiative and the action-oriented aspects of our work more in the second part of my statement.

 

2. A new spirit of dialogue

I would like to dedicate the first part of my short presentation to the realm of the spirit of dialogue or the realm of conscience and perception. This seems to me an important precondition of a fruitful dialogue which is not yet enough developed and which in my view will add further impetus to the dialogue movement.

 

Today everybody agrees on the need for dialogue among civilizations.

Why? What are the reasons?

 

Historical perspectives

Over time, the world has grown closer together and our concept of society has expanded. The units in which we live and think in have grown from villages to cities to states, and gradually to unions of states. We are on the verge of a global society. This asks for an improved culture of dialogue.

 

Common challenges

Innumerable perils which we face today are of an international nature. Issues such as climate change, HIV/AIDS and poverty require multilateral cooperation.

 

Threats to security

The threat of terrorism, growing challenges in migration and other threats to security, have further enhanced the readiness of governments to get involved in activities that support Dialogue and Understanding.

 

Common goals

The UN Millennium Development Goals, which outline the most pressing problems which we face today, are a starting point to work towards a common goal of humanity. They can only be achieved through a comprehensive approach encompassing all people in all sectors.

 

Looking at all these different points we can say that these factors have been forced upon us from outside, through events or the general evolution.

 

I would like to add to these factors one more that is inspired from an inner awareness.

 

One World

It is the understanding and conscious awareness that humanity is one entity, one human family of nations. Some explain it also as feeling that the world is like one body that is interconnected.

An example: If I feel the world as one body and somewhere in Africa there is a conflict, then it is like a wound that is bleeding in my body and I feel pain and want to heal it as quickly as possible.

This feeling of connectedness, of unity, of oneness will add a new aspect, new motivation and strength to the dialogue. It is not forced upon us but springs from an inner awareness of an interconnected existence with a common field of action and a common destiny.

 

Vladimir Petrovsky our chairman often mentions this need for a new planetary thinking and always adds a very plausible example for illustration. We may imagine the earth like a spaceship that is taking its flight in the Galaxies and it does not matter what class you are travelling in, or in other words what race, colour or culture you have, we all are interested in a safe and good journey.

 

The challenge that is before us and to which not many of the world’s leaders have risen up to so far, the challenge is to harmoniously blend individual and collective interests. In the field of international relations it means to subordinate certain national interests to a larger global interest. Unfortunately we do not yet see this visionary and courageous leadership and the necessary political will. We have all together to find a way how to steer humanity in an evolutionary and responsible way. Many are aware of it; few are yet ready to stand up to the challenge.

 

Let me mention a few of the positive exceptions:

• The President of our host country Kazakhstan, HE President Nursultan Nasarbajev who unilaterally and by free will has abandoned all nuclear weapons in Kazakhstan and is working strongly to promote peace, stability and development not only in his country but in the whole region.

 

• President Mikhail Gorbachev who has made extraordinary developments possible and brought new freedom to thousands of citizens in Russia and the states of the former Soviet Union.

 

Other examples from history that exemplify the spirit and culture of dialogue:

• Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) Third President of the United States of America, Writer of the Declaration of Independence (1776)

 

« If there be one principle more deeply rooted than any other in the mind of every American, it is, that we should have nothing to do with conquest. The energies of the nation, as depends on me, shall be reserved for improvement of the condition of man, not wasted in his destruction. The lamentable resource of war is not authorized for evils of imagination, but for those actual injuries only, which would be more destructive of our well-being than war itself. Peace, justice, and liberal with all the nations of the world, will, I hope, with all nations, characterize this commonwealth. Friendly nations always negotiate little differences in private. I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power, the greater it will be. »

 

• Dag Hammarskjold (1905 - 1961) , Second United Nations Secretary-General

“Everything will be all right - you know when? When people, just people, stop thinking of the United Nations as a weird Picasso abstraction and see it as a drawing they made themselves. »

« Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step; only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find the right road. “

« The longest journey is the journey inward. »

“If only I may grow: firmer, simpler, quieter, warmer.”

 

• Immanuel Kant (1724 – 1804),  German Philosopher

« The history of the human race, viewed as a whole may be regarded as the realization of a hidden plan of nature to bring about a political constitution, internally, and for this purpose, also externally perfect, as the only state in which all the capacities implanted by her in mankind can be fully developed. »

 

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Apart from a high sense of beauty and aesthetics, we can find in these texts glimpses of the indivisible truths of life, the power of vision, the ideal of love.

 

Practical examples of dialogue among civilizations

There are also many other practical examples where the dialogue among civilizations or more specific the dialogue among religions and cultures has worked well.

 

• Interfaith Prayer day

A good example of our time is the annual interfaith prayer day in Assisi. This was initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1986 when he brought together an unprecedented number of religious leaders from diverse faiths for a day of prayer and peace. Interfaith dialogue strengthens each individual religion as it focuses individuals on the essence of religion.

Practices such as silence, prayer, meditation and contemplation allow us to feel the fundamental unity of all religions and the oneness of humankind.

 

• Mogul Emperor Akbar

The 16 century Muslim Emperor Akbar who lived in India( b. 1543- d. 1605, Fatehpur Sikri, India) is a good example from history.
According to Muslim, Indian and Western historians, Akbar was the greatest ruler of Indian history. Apart from his military victories and administrative reforms he was famous for his policy of tolerance to the different cultures and religions in his empire.
Akbar’s state was built on the principle sulakhul, or “universal tolerance”. All religions were given equal treatment in the administration hence Akbar appointed a lot of Hindus in the bureaucracy and at the end of his life almost one-third of the official administrators of the empire were Hindu. As for Akbar the main duty of each ruler was to ensure justice for all his people no matter what their religion was, he abolished the special tax imposed on all non-Muslims, the jizya.

• Al Andalus

A thousand years ago, Jews, Christians and Muslims lived peacefully side by side in Andalusia on the Iberian Peninsula. Notwithstanding their particularities and antagonisms, they cultivated a culture of tolerance. This peaceful coexistence brought long lasting mutual enrichment to all the communities. This was not based on an enforced state policy, but rather an inherent acceptance of difference at an individual level.

 

3. Practical steps

Let us now turn to practical actions to support the dialogue among civilizations today.

Each one of us can develop the necessary spirit and start to implement it in daily life.

 

Simple Dialogue principles

• Be open for dialogue!

      Be ready to listen to others, their situation and needs. Be ready to challenge old ways of thinking, invite new ideas and new solutions. Maintain a positive outlook on dialogue. Learn new techniques.

 

• Learn and understand!

      To develop a fruitful dialogue it is essential to have a good understanding of our own identity and culture. It is equally important to learn about the culture, religion and way of life of others.

 

• Tolerance and Respect

      Each human being is unique in the world! Each human being has something to offer to others and society at large. Respect, embrace and explore the differences that others offer.

 

• Get involved!

      Dialogue builds the fertile ground to find new creative solutions to old problems. Dialogue brings mutual enrichment and a new sense and understanding of our common destiny.

 

I strongly support the voices that suggest an “alliance of the moderates” as it our chairman Mr. Petrovsky calls it. It does not matter to which field of activities, to which political party or to which country you belong. All the constructive, responsible forces should be united into a new “International”.

 

This leads me to the Alliance of Civilizations Initiative which I would like to present here briefly.

 

Alliance of Civilizations

The AoC was established in 2005, at the initiative of the Governments of Spain and Turkey, under the auspices of the United Nations. A High-level Group was formed by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan to explore the roots of polarization between societies and cultures today and to recommend a practical programme of action to address this issue. The Report of the High-level Group, which was released on 13 November 2006, provides an analysis and puts forward practical recommendations that form the basis for the implementation phase of the Alliance of Civilizations.

 

On 26 April 2007, Former President of Portugal, Mr. Jorge Sampaio was appointed as the High Representative for the AoC by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to lead the implementation phase of the Alliance. Under his guidance, the AoC Secretariat will work in partnership with States, international and regional organizations, civil society groups, foundations, and the private sector to mobilize concerted efforts to promote cross-cultural relations among diverse nations and communities.

 

The Alliance of Civilizations (AoC) has a specific mandate and it is important to clarify its purpose and the scope of its activities. Being a UN initiative, the Alliance of Civilizations has a global scope underpinned by a universal perspective, while placing a priority on addressing relations between Western and Muslim societies.

 

1. Overall Goal

To improve understanding and cooperative relations among nations and peoples across cultures and religions and, in the process, to help counter the forces that fuel polarization and extremism.

 

2. Key Objectives

Based on the recommendations made in the AoC High-level Group Report, the work of the Alliance of Civilizations should be structured around the following three objectives:

        a. Develop a network of partnership with States, international organizations, civil society groups, and private sector entities that share the goals of the Alliance of Civilizations, to reinforce their interaction and coordination with the UN system;

 

        b. Develop, support, and highlight projects that promote understanding and reconciliation among cultures globally and, in particular, between Muslim and Western societies. These projects should be related to the four main fields of action of the Alliance: youth, education, media and migration.

 

        c. Establish relations and facilitate dialogue among groups that can act as a force of moderation and understanding during times of heightened cross-cultural tensions.

 

In pursuing these objectives, the AoC will maintain and demonstrate through its choice of activities a universal perspective. At the same time, a priority emphasis on relations between Muslim and Western societies is warranted given that cross-cultural polarization and mutual fear are most acute within and between these communities and represent a threat to international stability and security.

 

3. Functions

The AoC will carve out its role, both globally and within the UN system as:

a. A bridge builder and convener, connecting people and organizations devoted to promoting trust and understanding between diverse communities, particularly – but not exclusively – between Muslim and Western societies;

 

b. A catalyst and facilitator helping to give impetus to innovative projects aimed at reducing polarization between nations and cultures through joint pursuits and mutually beneficial partnerships;

 

c. An advocate for building respect and understanding among cultures and amplifying voices of moderation and reconciliation which help calm cultural and religious tensions between nations and peoples;

 

d. A platform to encrease visibility, enhance the work and highlight the profile of initiatives devoted to building bridges between cultures; and

 

e. A resource providing access to information and materials drawn from successful cooperative initiatives which could, in turn, be used by member states, institutions, organizations, or individuals seeking to initiate similar processes or projects.

 

As mentioned, the Alliance of Civilizations Initiative is primarily focused on the four areas Youth, Education, Media and Migration.

 

Some focal points:

Education

Promotion of cross-cultural education - teaching the understanding and respect of different religions - translation and dissemination of UNESCO’s acclaimed project of “History of Humanity” - Media literacy teaching courses.

 

Youth

Promotion and enlargement of Exchange programs – stronger involvement of Youth in decision and policy making processes - fostering cross-cultural projects in sports, culture, science (like the partnership Mondiologo of UNESCO and Daimler-Chrysler) - Civic education in capacity building, self-employment, project management.

 

Media

Research and teaching projects on “Press freedom and responsibility”, “Understanding and Reporting Religion”, The impact of entertainment media” “Internet and the Digital Revolution”.

 

Migration

Promotion of proactive strategies for addressing migration – awareness raising of benefits and challenges – promotion of best practices – strengthen international cooperation.

 

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I my view the success and progress of the Alliance of Civilizations initiative will depend on one hand on the financial support of the member countries and more specific the group of friends and secondly on enthusiastic partners in the field who help to implement projects. A goal is to have local and regional action teams that could help to spread the vision of the initiative and implement concrete projects.

 

Our organization is ready to play an active role in this new initiative, connected to our own activities that I mentioned at the beginning of the statement. I would like to invite you all to join in this initiative. I will be here for most of the time of the conference and I will be happy to discuss possible ways of cooperation.

 

Let us hope that this new spirit and culture of dialogue will become a movement that embraces the whole world and that we really can create an alliance of civilizations, an alliance of people who work in their respective fields for the realization of this common vision, dream and goal.

 

Thank you very much for your attention!