The first ASEM Interfaith Dialogue took place in Bali in July 2005, jointly hosted by Indonesia and the United Kingdom. Under the overall theme of “Unity in Diversity: Building Interfaith Harmony within the International Community”, religious and political leaders, academics and intellectuals from Asia and Europe discussed issues such as the role of education, culture, society and the media in promoting interfaith harmony. They reached several conclusions, summarised in the “Bali Declaration”, among which that peace, justice, compassion and tolerance are keys to building harmony within the international community and suggested measures towards promoting these goals.
Cyprus, together with Malaysia, hosted the second ASEM Interfaith Dialogue in Larnaca, from 3-5 July 2006. Carrying the theme “Interfaith understanding and cooperation for a peaceful world,” the Dialogue brought together political and religious leaders, academics and intellectuals, experts in the field of interfaith and inter-religious relations to work in three parallel working groups dealing with the following issues:
- Interfaith Understanding
- Role of Media in Promoting Interfaith Dialogue
- Religion and Multiethnic Societies
The three-day Dialogue process was very relevant and timely, given the backdrop of crisis in interfaith and inter-cultural relations, notably the controversy surrounding the publication of drawings depicting the Islamic prophet Mohammad. This accentuated the need and importance of this Dialogue, which resulted in the “Larnaca Action Plan”, a list of practical advancements that is built on the “Bali Declaration” adopted a year before. The Plan highlighted best practices and call for more concrete actions on the part of various actors in society, such as religious leaders, academia, governments and the media.