Resolution No 3/28-C
on
The Universal Declaration on Dialogue among Civilizations

The Twenty-eight Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, held in Bamako (Session of Peace and Development), Republic of Mali from 4-6 Rabi ul Thani, 1422H (25-27 June, 2001),

Recalling the resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit Conferences and other Islamic Conferences, in particular the Ninth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference;

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;

Referring to the resolution passed by the UN General Assembly on November 3rd 1998, which designated the year 2001 as the “UN Year of 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 programmes aiming at enhancing the concept of dialogue among civilizations;

Referring also to UN General Assembly resolution N!A/RES/55/23 adopted on 13 November 2000 which affirms that civilization is not the monopoly of single strong states; and that the achievements of civilization constitute a collective heritage of the human race; and that globalization represents challenges which calls for acceptance of human interdependence and Man’s rich cultural diversity; and that dialogue leads to furthering awareness of common values and denominators among peoples;

Taking note of recommendation N! 3/6-C adopted by the Sixth Session of COMIAC, held on 28-29 Rajab, 1421H (25-26 November, 2000) in Dakar;

Taking note also of the resolution of the Ninth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, held in Doha 12-13 November, 2000, expressing its utmost appreciation to H.E. President Mohammad Khatami of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Chairman of the Eighth Islamic Summit Conference for his invaluable initiative to conduct dialogue among civilizations which fulfills the aspirations deeply rooted in the traditions of the Islamic Ummah;

Having considered the recommendations of the Twenty-fourth Session of the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs;

Having considered the report of the Secretary General on the matter;

RECOMMENDS the following up the most important operative paragraphs of Resolution No.14/9-C (IS) adopted by the 9th Islamic Summit Conference, in particular operative paragraph No. (2) in which the Summit approves the “Universal Declaration On Dialogue Among Civilizations” adopted by the First Meeting of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts, held at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Jeddah on 5-7 February 2000 (Doc. No. EGDACI1-2000/REP.1), and also the “Executive Work Programme for Dialogue among Civilizations” adopted by the Second meeting of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts at the Headquarters of the General Secretariat on 23-25 September 2000 (Doc. No. EGDAC/2-2000/PROG.1). It also EXPRESSES satisfaction with the constitution by the Secretary General of a Special Committee from the Member States (Committee of Ten) to negotiate thereon with the other geographic groups at the UN and to follow up the various phases of the matter at the UN.

EXPRESSED ITS APPRECIATION for the intensive efforts of the Committee of Ten towards the various geographic groups, and RECORDS WITH SATISFACTION the intention of the Committee to finalize the agreed world document on dialogue among civilizations at a time that would allow its submission to the next session of the UN General Assembly (Session No. 56).

REFERS to UN General Assembly Resolution on devoting the 3rd and 4th of September 2001 to the issue of dialogue among civilizations; and appeals to the Member States to maintain the highest level of representation possible in these sessions.

WELCOMES the decision of the OIC Secretary General to entrust  ISESCO with issuing a documentary white book in Arabic, English and French that includes all the basic documents on dialogue among civilizations to be distributed among all UN Member States during the meeting of the General assembly. It invites ISESCO to cooperate with the Centre for Dialogue Among Civilizations in Iran in order to prepare this book.

ADOPTS the eight programmes recommended by the Islamic Commission for Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs as part of the activities proposed for the year of Dialogue, to be within the executive programmes introduced by ISESCO, in addition to a special programme on cooperation for safeguarding the sanctities and not to be tittle religions values and Sharines. It expresses its utmost thanks and gratitude to His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimy, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharja for the generous support extended to ISESCO to enable it to implement Islamic programmes on dialogue among civilizations. It calls on Member States and Islamic institutions to provide further support to ISESCO to enable it to implement Islamic programmes on dialogue among civilizations. It calls on Member States and Islamic institutions to provide further support to ISESCO which is in charge of this programme.

REQUESTS the Secretary General to follow up this issue and report thereon to the twenty-ninth Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.