DOHA: The Ninth Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue concluded here on Wednesday with a call to establish a global code of conduct for social media to promote their responsible use.
The three-day conference titled "social media and interfaith dialogue- a new relationship" brought together about 250 delegates from 60 countries including prominent religious scholars and leaders who discussed the issues hindering dialogue and explored ways to promote better understanding between different religious communities.
A final declaration issued by the conference asked the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID), organisers of the annual event, to come out with suggestions and develop a code of conduct "for responsible use of social media, in order to implement authentic dialogue and co-operation."
The DICID has also been asked to communicate this code and suggestions to different religious authorities as well as the United Nations and Unesco.
"We encourage the DICID to develop a forum using electronic social media to enhance inter-faith dialogue at local, regional and international levels. We invite the DICID to develop further effective communication with religious authorities and with men and women of good faith all over the world that will result in respect for religion and its symbols and prevent misuse of the social media," said the communiqué.
The conference also urged religious and educational authorities to cultivate an environment of trust, freedom and mutual respect among people of different faiths. "We call on young people to bring forward their concerns and visions for improved understanding and collaboration in social, spiritual and personal areas," added the statement.
All speakers at the concluding session were unanimous in their views for establishing a set of codes to ensure that social media like Facebook, Twitter and You Tube are used responsibly.
International Foundation for Interreligious and Intercultural Education President Dr Armando Bernardini, in his address to the gathering, said: "An adequate social media global code of conduct in inter-faith matters should be aware of our differences, foster an attitude of mutual commitment to build a community of peace and solidarity."
International Association for Religious Freedom''s Representative to the United Nations Dr John B Taylor said, "Education is important to change attitudes for inter-faith dialogue and co-operation. This change is evident in the United Nations which is now examining ways and means to enhance dialogue. I hope this conference will not be seen as an end to the discussions, but a new beginning."
Former Sudanese President Abdel Rahman Mohammed Hassan Suwar Al Dahab, in his concluding remarks, put forward three proposals, "Establish an international organisation based in Doha, propagate the philosophy of inter-faith dialogue and remove hindrances that hamper dialogue and establish a code of conduct that will cover the social media's operating rules."
UK-based Rabbi Hershel Gluck, rounding off the concluding session, gave the example of Prophet Noah's Ark in which different species of animals co-existed in peace and harmony. "Noah shows us that one person can stand up against the criticism and negativity and save his family," said Gluck.
© The Peninsula 2011
