Recommendation No13/23-C
on
Dialogue Among Civilizations

The Twenty-third Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs held in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 15-19 Shawwal, 1420H (22-26 January, 2000),

Recalling the principles of the Tehran Declaration adopted in December 1997 by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference affirming that Islamic Civilization has always and throughout history been rooted in peaceful coexistence, cooperation, mutual understanding, as well as constructive dialogue with other civilizations, beliefs and ideologies. The Tehran Declaration also underlined the need to establish understanding and interaction among cultures in keeping with Islamic teachings of tolerance, justice and peace,

Welcoming the resolution passed by the UN General Assembly on November 3rd, 1998, which was proposed by H.E. Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Chairman of the Summit, which expressed the General Assembly's firm determination to facilitate and encourage dialogue among civilizations in the beginning of the third millennium, which designated the year 2001 as the "UN Year for Dialogue Among Civilizations", and which called on governments, the UN System including UNESCO, and relevant Non-Governmental Organizations, to set up and implement adequate cultural, educational and social programs aiming at enhancing the concept of dialogue among civilizations,

Emphasizing its recommendation No.13/22-C, inter-alia, on the necessity that OIC plays an active and efficient role on the dialogue among civilizations;

Taking note of contacts carried out between the OIC Chairmanship and Secretariat and the E.U. on issues of common concern;

Believing that virtual and trustful dialogue among civilizations shall generate confidence among nations and lay firm grounds for peaceful interaction among them and lead to the rejection of unfounded claim of inter-civilization conflict;

Renewing its deep conviction in the immense cultural contribution throughout the Ages, offered by Islamic civilization to humanity in all areas and its ability to continue its interaction and enrichment to other contemporary human civilizations, particularly in this age of globalization, communication and technology revolution as well as the space age;

Taking note of Resolution No.13/26-C adopted by the 26th ICFM held in Ouagadougou from 28 June to the beginning of July 1999;

Welcoming the Tehran Declaration on Dialogue Among Civilizations adopted by the Symposium held in Tehran from 3 to 5 May 1999 as well as the recommendations adopted therein;

Having considered the Report of the Secretary General;

EXPRESSES its deep appreciation to H.E. President Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Chairman of the Eighth Islamic Summit, for having taken the vital initiative to launch the Dialogue among Civilizations and considers that this initiative, unprecedented in contemporary history, fulfills the aspirations deeply rooted in the traditions of the Muslim Ummah.

RECOMMENDS to the meeting of the Group of Governmental Experts of the OIC Member States to be held in Jeddah from 5 to 7 February 2000 to prepare a Draft "Universal Declaration on Dialogue Among Civilizations" as well as a "Ten-year Plan of Action" and invites the relevant institutions of the OIC, especially the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), the Islamic Fiqh Academy and the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA) to substantively contribute to the work of the Group of Governmental Experts as well as OIC activities related to the matter;

REQUESTS the Secretary General to refer the outcome of the high level Governmental Experts Group Meeting as well as the two draft documents immediately thereafter, to the Member States for comments, so as to transmit them to the Twenty-seventh ICFM for appropriate action with a view to submitting them for debate in the General Assembly of the UN and UNESCO with a view to adopting them in 2001 as the contribution of the OIC aiming at securing world consensus.

COMMENDS the continuous efforts of the OIC and its Secretary General and invites him to continue his effective endeavors to crown this initiative with success.

REQUESTS the Secretary General to follow up the two draft universal documents on Dialogue among Civilizations once they are completed and to submit a report thereon to the Twenty-seventh ICFM for consideration and appropriate action.