A three-day World Interfaith Dialogue Conference to find a common solution to the problems facing humanity will be inaugurated by Saudi Arabia King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz today (Wednesday).
The conference, which seeks to bring together religious figures from all leading religions, including Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism and Confucianism, will discuss approaches to end common problems and reinforce the values shared by the faiths. Spanish King Juan Carlos, Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and Muslim World League (MWL) Secretary General Dr Abdullah Al-Turki are also scheduled to address the opening session.
The Makkah-based MWL has convened the conference, which is a continuation of the process that was initiated in June with the organisation of a Muslim scholars' conference that suggested the organisation of an international interfaith dialogue. The idea for the conference stemmed from King Abdullah's view that if everyone focused on the universal values common to all faiths, they would find that we were bound by much more than we were divided by. The event, which is being covered by nearly 130 reporters, has been given a great deal of importance in both Muslim and non-Muslim countries. Talking to Daily Times, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Ali Awadh Asseri said that the conference would prove to be a milestone in improving religious understanding between various faiths. He said both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were important countries and together could play a leading role in solving issues facing the Ummah. |