Chairman’s report
on the 'Common World: Progress through Diversity' Conference,
hеld on the 17th of October, 2008 in Astana
The Ministerial Conference “Common World: Progress through Diversity” took place in Astana on October 17, 2008. It was attended by heads and official representatives of more than 65 states and international organizations (Annex1).
H.E. Mr. N.A.Nazarbayev, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in his welcoming address to the Conference invited participants to hold a wide ranging political dialogue between countries representing the two largest cultural-civilization communities.
The Conference in Astana was held during an active search for ways and forms to deepen the understanding and overcome inter-civilization discords.
Participants exchanged opinions and discussed different topics related to the issues of inter-civilization dialogue. During open and fruitful debates, the ways of deepening of understanding between the Muslim world and the West were addressed; hotbeds of instability in modern world (Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.) and possibility of establishing lasting peace and stability; sources of islamophobia xenophobia, and 'westernophobia', enhancing tolerance, issues of media activity. Discussions focused on problems, such as modern education, role of youth and women in strengthening the peer dialogue and human rights (Annex 2).
Different views concerning international events were expressed. In general, high representatives noted timeliness and necessity of holding this Conference and continuing of started political dialogue.
The Conference was concluded with adoption of Astana Declaration, calling to unit on the basis of diversity. In particular, Declaration underscored the importance of diversity at global and national levels, within civilizations and cultures, religions as well as multiple identities of individuals. Also any forms of tension, based on religious, confessional, cultural and civilization differences, and their use for fuelling the hatred, xenophobia and confrontation were rejected (Annex3).
In order to prepare and convene the Ministerial Conference, the High Level Reflection Group Meeting and the Senior Officials Meeting were held in Astana on April 2-3, 2008 and in August 20-29, 2008 respectively. Experts and eminent scholars offered specific proposals, exchanged constructive opinions, and discussed the ways and means to overcome inter-civilization controversy (Annex 4).
In this regard, during preparation to the Conference, the recommendations with practical measures to develop the inter-civilization dialogue were received, summarized and are now being offered for consideration to the concerned parties for possible application. (Annex 5)
