RP to host ministerial interfaith dialogue in March

After months of delay caused by last year’s devastating cyclones, the Philippines will host in March a Special Non-Aligned Movement Ministerial Meeting (SNAMMM) on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development. The Department of Foreign Affairs said more than 40 Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) countries have already confirmed their participation in the conference that would be held in Manila. “Originally scheduled for 1-3 December 2009, the Ministerial Meeting was postponed to a later date so that the Philippine Government could concentrate on relief and rehabilitation efforts in the wake of two devastating cyclones that struck the country in the latter part of 2009," the DFA said in its Web site. The Ministerial Meeting will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila. A one-day Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) will be held on March 16 to finalize the conference’s draft outcome document. Malacañang said the meet has three objectives. A Palace statement cited Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Leslie Gatan as saying over government-run dzRB radio Sunday that the meet's objectives include to support NAM's principles in promoting a culture of peace and dialogue among civilizations, religions and cultures; to promote interfaith dialogue as an important instrument in achieving global peace and development; and to highlight the Philippines' leading role in interfaith dialogue in the international community. The DFA said the convening of the Special NAM Ministerial Meeting is consistent with the Sharm El Sheikh Declaration by NAM Heads of State or Government to “identify and pursue necessary measures and contribute positively in further promoting dialogue of civilizations, culture of peace and interfaith dialogue." At the 15th Summit of NAM in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt last July 15-16, heads of state or government and heads of delegations issued a “call for an active participation and engagement of all NAM members in the Special NAM Ministerial Meeting (SNAMMM) on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development to be held in Manila" on the initiative of the Philippine government. “The Philippines considers that intercultural and interfaith dialogue policy framework paves the way for the coming together of people of different cultures and faiths to build, through dialogue and action, a shared environment of peace and security based on mutual understanding, trust and respect," the DFA said. - KBK, GMANews.TV