“REINFORCING OUR COMMITMENT TO THE ALLIANCE”
Mr. Chairman,
At the outset, allow me this opportunity to thank the Government of Brazil for hosting the Third Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations (AoC). Providing this beautiful city as a venue for the conference is testament to the Government’s strong commitment to the vision and goals of the Forum. My sincere appreciation to the people and Government of Brazil for the very warm and generous hospitality that has been accorded to me and my delegation. My sincere thanks also to the AoC Secretariat, whose tireless efforts have enabled us to assemble here today in our common desire to harness intercivilizational and interfaith dialogue to serve the cause of peace and human development.
- In the last decade the world witnessed a series of terrorist attacks the likes of which were never seen before. From New York to Jakarta, London, Madrid and Bali, terror was struck into the hearts and minds of people all over the world and of different faiths and cultures. Violent retribution was a path that some chose to take. However, we have come to realise that the military option is not the answer to solving this issue. While some may have reasoned that the destruction brought about by the enemy justified the ensuing “war” on terror, in hindsight we can ask, where did it lead us? Where are we heading? And what has it really accomplished?
- Since that fateful day in September 2001, the perception of Islam in the West remains one of backwardness, brutality and terrorism. Demonisation of Islam and Muslims in the West is common and it persists to this day. Some would say that in places like Europe it is growing even stronger. In turn, the Muslim World unjustifiably sees the West as intent on extending its hegemony over other parts of the globe. Muslims also have the impression that the West has failed to make sincere efforts to resolve the Palestinian conflict. As such, it would seem that the rift between the civilizations, and especially the Muslim and Western civilizations, has grown wider.
- This situation appears to give substance to the view that a clash of civilizations is imminent. But I believe that we at this Forum do not share this view that we are fated to destroy each other. We reject the idea that different civilizations, faiths and cultures can never truly coexist with one another. We recognise the seriousness of the challenge before us, but we believe that it is possible to reconcile our differences and arrest the trend.
- We took the first step towards this direction by establishing the Alliance of Civilizations. Five years since the establishment, it is time to reflect on what we have accomplished and what remains to be done.
- We all recognise that the Alliance has done tremendous work. It has been able to institutionalise a Forum that promotes dialogue and understanding between civlizations – something that would have been hard to imagine at the beginning of the new millennium. Our presence here today, in such impressive numbers, is testimony that the Alliance has successfully promoted greater interaction and understanding amongst our community, and it reinforces our commitment towards the ultimate aim of seeing a world that is free of prejudice and that exists in peace and harmony.
- Yet it is only too clear that we have not been able to do enough to bridge the gap between the Muslim World and the West. On this, it is indeed worrying that we have done little to address the one underlying factor that has resulted in great resentment from a majority of the Muslim World, and the animosity that arises in response. The situation in the Middle East, and in particular, the seemingly never-ending violence and despair of the Palestinian conflict, will hinder us in reaching our objectives.
- While I suggest that we look ahead, it is also essential that we reflect upon what we have considered in the past. In this regard, it would be useful to recollect what was agreed upon in the Report of the High Level Group following the establishment of the AoC. The Report identified the Palestinian conflict and the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan as the main contributor to the rift between Islam and the West. It mooted the need to ensure a lasting peaceful solution to the Middle East Peace Process. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that we do all we can to help bring about a resolution.
- The Report of the High Level Group also mentioned the problem of tensions between cultures that spread beyond the political dimension. On this, the Report identified four thematic areas that would help in overcoming this problem: education, youth, migration and media. It is satisfying to note that we have done quite well in the thematic areas identified. However, detrimental images and jaundiced potrayals of Islam and Muslims persist. We understand that the reasons are often cultural, political and sociological rather than a clash of beliefs, but the problem remains. Muslims in Europe and elsewhere in the West continue to be viewed with suspicion and as the enemy within.
- Thus, we need to explore ingenious ways to solve both sets of problems outlined by the Report of the High Level Group. Perhaps our mistake was to look at the two main problems seperately instead of looking at it as a whole. I would like to suggest that the Alliance explore ways to synergise how both sets of problems could be looked at as a whole. There is a need to earnestly consider how the four thematic areas could contribute towards efforts to resolve the Palestinian conflict in particular and the violence in Iraq and Afghanistan in general.
- For example, the media could play a more prominent role in providing accurate information on the conflicts to all societies. The world should know and should be constantly reminded of what is happening and the dire situation confronting the Palestinian people, so that the international community will be moved to act more decisively to address the deteriorating situation. We should resist complacency, because the conditions are contributing to further misunderstanding and greater distrust among the Muslim World and the West. The main parties engaged in the process to bring about peace in the Middle East need to demonstrate further desire and commitment to resolve the Palestinian conflict and initiate effective steps towards a fair and peaceful settlement. I believe it is our responsibility in this Forum to come up with new and workable ideas to address this issue before it consumes us all.
- At the same time, the world needs to be better informed on the position and views of the three Abrahamic faiths towards the problems in the region, which is their common spiritual home. More factual and unbiased narratives and text books need to be produced, so that the people of today as well as future generations will have a better insight into the nature of the problems and the tragedy that is unfolding in the region.
Mr. Chairman,
- As we know, the children and the youth of the world are our future. Thus, we cannot stress enough the importance of education, which is key to advancing the objectives of the Alliance. A culture of tolerance and acceptance of the Other, which many have advocated before in this Forum as well as in others, should not only be taught and inculcated at a young age, but should also be embraced, nurtured and sustained. It should be included as an important element in the education syllabus of all countries.
- This is being done in my own country, where a culture of tolerance and acceptance as well as celebration of our cultural diversity is high on our national priority. I am confident that by embracing wholeheartedly a culture of tolerance in our respective societies and between nations, as well as by providing equal opportunities for all communities irrespective of differences of race or faith, we can help create a harmonious and peaceful world.
Mr Chairman,
- The theme for this Third Forum is, quite aptly, “Strengthening our commitment to the Alliance of Civilizations”. I believe there can be no better way of doing this than by confronting the real issues that divide the civilizations sincerely and boldly, and by adopting credible initiatives that are implemented vigorously. Please be assured Mr. Chairman, that Malaysia’s commitment to the vision and goals of the Alliance is deep, unwavering and enduring.
Thank you.