Interfaith Academic Conference on Security, Peace and Co-existence

Interfaith Academic Conference on Security, Peace and Co-existence
Jointly organized by Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Yangon, Myanmar and Institute for Global Engagement, Washington D.C, U.S.A
1-2.October.2013

Joint Statment

The interfaith Academic Conference for Security, Peace and Coexistence was held at Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Yangon in joint partnership with the Institute for Global Engagement on 1-2 October 2013. The conference further deepened interfaith understanding among religious leaders of multi- religious and multi-ethnic societies. It was attended by (226) participants including government officials, academics, and religious leaders from different parts of the world and over 200 observers attended. The conference addressed common challenges on security and peace at the regional and global levels.

At the end of the conference the participants agree upon the following objectives.

• We understand that this dialogue is the beginning of the beginning and that this dialogue must take practical form at the local level.
• We recognize the need for frequent discussion and conference among the leaders of different faiths in a spirit of mutual respect.
• We believe that peace and security are the two indispensable factors, to which all faiths contribute, and without which  all religion cannot co-exist to prosper.
• We note that we cannot co-exist practically without the security of mind. To have the security of mind, efforts should be made to maintain the teaching of all professed faiths.
• We will strive to find common ground by adopting the concept of unity in diversity.
• We will endeavour to build bridges of practical cooperation in our multi-religious and multi-ethnic societies for better understanding of other religions and reduction of tension.
• We consider that poverty is a significant cause of conflict and religious leaders should work together to serve their common neighbour.
• We feel that there is a need to empower and include the youth and women utilizing their resources in enhancing the interfaith action.
• We recognize the vital role of media and will include them as equally responsible stakeholders in our dialogue at the national and local level.
• We need to balance modern education with moral education.
• We urge the people to build a happy and meaningful life by virtue of truth.
• We note the importance of education in developing national identity and multi-faith consciousness.