Civil society statement on respect and understanding
Civil society meeting at the 2007 Commonwealth People's Forum, Kampala, Uganda, agreed the following statement on culture and diversity.
Recognising the commitment made in the 2005 CHOGM Communiqué that, inter alia, affirmed the importance of promoting tolerance, respect, enlightened moderation and friendship among people of different races, faiths and cultures;
Recognising that practical actions at grassroots level will promote inclusion and social cohesion, bring people together and connect those who hold different identities;
We call on Commonwealth Member States to:
- commit to implement the recommendations contained in the two reports, 'Civil Paths to Peace' and 'Engaging with Faith;'
- encourage collaboration between people with different identities, within and across communities, regions, nation states and the Commonwealth to promote understanding and address issues of poverty, conflict and marginalisation;
- promote greater adoption and popularisation of the concept of multiple identities and recognise the right of people to embrace and choose among these different identities;
- support a programme of intercultural and inter, intra and cross faith exchange to build understanding and cooperation for joint working on development and governance objectives; and
- support the development of international community linking partnerships that build peace prosperity and well-being for all Commonwealth citizens.
