SPEECH BY DR KIM HAK-SU
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY,
UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND
THE PACIFIC (UN ESCAP)
AT THE LAUNCH OF
THE WORLD COUNCIL OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS

(United Nations Conference Center, 13 June 2002)

Your Royal Highness Princess Rattana Devi Norodom of the Kingdom of Cambodia,
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my distinct privilege to welcome you today at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific on the occasion of the launch of the World Council of Religious Leaders. Whatever your belief, whatever region of the world you come from, your presence here at the United Nations premises signifies your commitment to our common goals and shared values of peace, development, human rights and tolerance. We are also honoured that you have chosen this region which has given birth to many faiths, and is rich in culture and diversity.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan, has aptly pointed out that religions may manifest themselves in widely different practices and belief systems, but at heart we are dealing in universal values: To be kind, to be merciful, to be tolerant, to love our neighbours. No single religion can claim a monopoly on such teachings.

The launch of the World Council of Religious Leaders is special, timely and appropriate. Its birth, which is the fruit of many years of inter-faith effort, is special because it is indeed a testimony to your inspiration and determination to make peace and development a lasting reality in all corners of our world. It is timely when the international community at large is deeply engaged in a dialogue among nations, regions, religions, and civilizations, to build bridges across differences and divides, be it ethnic, religious or political. The launch of the Council is, again, timely at a moment when problems and tension are often seen as connected with religious, ethnic and cultural misunderstanding and intolerance. The founding of the Council is appropriate because it seeks to inspire men and women of all faiths in the pursuit of peace and mutual understanding. I am pleased to note that the Council will undertake initiatives that will assist the United Nations and its agencies by providing the spiritual resources of the world's religious traditions in the prevention, resolution and healing of conflicts, and in addressing global social and environmental problems.

There is a great commonality between the values of the great religions of the world and the values and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. People often come to think of the United Nations as a world of diplomats and speeches without room for religion. This misunderstanding must be changed. Without the support and partnership of governments, civil society and religious organizations and leaders like yourselves, the achievement of the goals of peace and development would have been far more daunting. Throughout the history of the United Nations, it has always been one of its most important purposes to achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion. Let us cite a few words from the United Nations Charter: "We the peoples of the United Nations, determined to ..... reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and for these ends, to practice tolerance, ... to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security". The Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims that "everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion". The Declaration of Principles on Tolerance adopted by the General Assembly in 1981 sheds more light on the nature and meaning of these basic rights and freedoms.

Distinguished participants,
Ladies and gentlemen,

The Asian and Pacific region has been enriched by its diversity in culture, ethnicity, religion and traditions. The region has equally been challenged by tensions and conflicts in its various parts. Whatever the causes of the tensions and conflicts, we look forward to seeing them resolved through peaceful means and cooperation. Besides, the rapid change and globalization that have serious impacts upon the region necessitates the strengthening of social and religious institutions, which are indispensable to maintain regional identity and interest, and to pursue regional cooperation and peace.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We must accept and appreciate the presence of different traditions within each region of the world and within each society and community, as much as we must stress what we have in common: peace, the universality of human rights and human aspirations. By uniting our strength and working together regardless of our creed, language, and ethnic origin, for peace, development and human rights, we can ensure that faith becomes an enlightening reality and a driving force for a better world for all.

We have no doubt that the World Council of Religious Leaders will bring added vitality to the efforts of the religious community for the prevention and healing of conflicts, and for addressing global social and environmental problems. We look forward to working closely with you in this common noble endeavour.

We wish you fruitful deliberations.

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