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Concept document for

The Second World Conference on Interreligious and Inter-Civilization Dialogue “Religion and Culture – Substantial relation among Nations”
May 6-9th 2010, Ohrid, the Republic of Macedonia

Introduction

The Republic of Macedonia is a country with abundant and lengthy history, a country that represents the crossroads of several cultures, religions and civilizations.

Throughout the lengthy and abundant history of the Macedonian people and the ethnic communities that have lived or live in this area, invaluable cultural heritage was created that is a source of identity for the young generations even today. In addition to this, this cultural heritage awakes feelings of love and respect for one’s roots and traditional values. Cultural and religious diversity are the source of great creative potential and bridge leading to mutual understanding, respect and co-existence.

Taking into consideration the universal values and principles included in each religion, as well as the fact that the diversity of cultures, religions and civilizations represents a positive contribution and tremendous potential, and furthermore we are convinced that we all have to contribute to fostering of cultural and religious dialogue and cooperation. The Government of the Republic of Macedonia assisted and supported the organization of the Second World Conference on Interreligious and Inter-Civilization Dialogue, on the topic of “Religion and Culture –Substantial relation among Nations”, which is to take place in the period from May 6th until May 9th 2010 in Ohrid.

The Second World Conference is a continuation of the First World Conference on Interreligious and Inter-Civilization Dialogue, on the topic of Contribution of Religion and Culture to Peace, Mutual Respect and Co-Existence. The first conference was successfully organized in Ohrid in the period from October 26th until October 28th 2007. Besides the finances provided by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, the conference was financially and logistically assisted by UNESCO, the Macedonian Centre for International Cooperation and the World Conference of Religions for Peace, in the capacity of a partner.

The Conference was well responded to by the invited religious leaders, intellectuals and politicians that deal with interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Two hundred foreign participants from approximately fifty countries worldwide took part, as well as one hundred domestic participants. Moreover, the conference was covered by 102 accredited journalists and reporters from the country and abroad. A joint Declaration was adopted at the Conference and an International Committee was established in charge of organizing the Second World Conference in the course 2010. This Declaration can be accessed on the webpage of the Conference: www.worldconferenceohrid.kultura.gov.mk.
For the purpose of implementing the conclusions derived from the Conference, and contained in the Declaration, as well as for the purpose or realizing significant activities aimed at promoting this exceptionally important event both in the country and abroad, and performing preparations for the realization of the upcoming Second Conference, the Ministry of Culture initiated and successfully conducted a number of activities, among which we would like to underline the following ones:

  • There was an official promotion of the five editions (in Macedonian, Albanian, English, French and Russian language) of the publication “Ohrid Messages for Peace and Mutual Life” and the DVD devoted to the First World Conference. This promotion took place at Daut Pasha Hamam on October 16th 2008.
  • The International Committee in charge of organizing the Second World Conference held two meetings (on October 16th 2008 and March 4th 2009) in the course of which the potential topics, objectives and format of the Second World Conference were considered, as well as the conference date and criteria for election of potential participants.
  • The Memorial House devoted to Mother Teresa was solemnly opened in Skopje on January 30th 2009. Representatives from political, religious and cultural circles from the region and beyond attended the opening.
  • An application for the jubilee commemoration of 100 years since the birth of Mother Teresa (in the year 2010) was submitted to UNESCO. This application was approved in the course of the 35th session of the General Conference of UNESCO. It was agreed that India supported by the Republic of Macedonia is to commemorate on this significant event within the framework of UNESCO.
  • The “Concert for Peace” was realized in Venice, on April 20th 2009 in the prestigious theatre “La Fenice”. This concert was organized by the Regional Bureau of UNESCO, the Mayor of Venice and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia. The publication devoted to the First World Conference on Interreligious and Inter-Civilization Dialogue “Messages for Peace” was promoted at the concert, and Her Excellency, Ms. Elizabeta Kanceska – Mileska, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia, announced the holding of the Second World Conference in 2010.
  • By accepting the adopted Resolution 63/22 of the General Assembly of the United Nations – “Promotion of Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace”, the Republic of Macedonia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly supported the proclamation of the UN Decade of Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace, highlighting that our support is a concrete contribution in the realization of the First and Second World Conference on Interreligious and Inter-Civilization Dialogue.
  • In compliance with Resolution 62/90 of January 25th 2008, the General Assembly proclaimed the year 2010 the Year of Rapprochement of Cultures. In line with this, it was suggested that activities were organized pertaining to interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace, and UNESCO was appointed to play a key role in preparations for the celebration of the International Year for Rapprochement of Cultures in 2010. The UNESCO National Commission within the Ministry of Culture informed the United Nations in writing that the Action Plan of UNESCO was to include the realization of the Second World Conference on Interreligious and Inter-Civilization Dialogue.

  • There was an official promotion of the five editions (in Macedonian, Albanian, English, French and Russian language) of the publication “Ohrid Messages for Peace and Mutual Life” and the DVD devoted to the First World Conference. This promotion took place at Daut Pasha Hamam on October 16th 2008.
  • The International Committee in charge of organizing the Second World Conference held two meetings (on October 16th 2008 and March 4th 2009) in the course of which the potential topics, objectives and format of the Second World Conference were considered, as well as the conference date and criteria for election of potential participants.
  • The Memorial House devoted to Mother Teresa was solemnly opened in Skopje on January 30th 2009. Representatives from political, religious and cultural circles from the region and beyond attended the opening.
  • An application for the jubilee commemoration of 100 years since the birth of Mother Teresa (in the year 2010) was submitted to UNESCO. This application was approved in the course of the 35th session of the General Conference of UNESCO. It was agreed that India supported by the Republic of Macedonia is to commemorate on this significant event within the framework of UNESCO.
  • The “Concert for Peace” was realized in Venice, on April 20th 2009 in the prestigious theatre “La Fenice”. This concert was organized by the Regional Bureau of UNESCO, the Mayor of Venice and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia. The publication devoted to the First World Conference on Interreligious and Inter-Civilization Dialogue “Messages for Peace” was promoted at the concert, and Her Excellency, Ms. Elizabeta Kanceska – Mileska, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia, announced the holding of the Second World Conference in 2010.
  • By accepting the adopted Resolution 63/22 of the General Assembly of the United Nations – “Promotion of Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace”, the Republic of Macedonia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly supported the proclamation of the UN Decade of Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace, highlighting that our support is a concrete contribution in the realization of the First and Second World Conference on Interreligious and Inter-Civilization Dialogue.
  • In compliance with Resolution 62/90 of January 25th 2008, the General Assembly proclaimed the year 2010 the Year of Rapprochement of Cultures. In line with this, it was suggested that activities were organized pertaining to interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace, and UNESCO was appointed to play a key role in preparations for the celebration of the International Year for Rapprochement of Cultures in 2010. The UNESCO National Commission within the Ministry of Culture informed the United Nations in writing that the Action Plan of UNESCO was to include the realization of the Second World Conference on Interreligious and Inter-Civilization Dialogue.


The Second, as well as it was the case with the First World Conference, is organized by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities and Religious Groups, as well as with the religious communities in the Republic of Macedonia.

The Second World Conference is again financially supported by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia and UNESCO.

The realization of the Second World Conference will commemorate three crucial jubilees of distinguished persons and events: 100 years since the birth of the world humanist Mother Teresa, 1100 years since the assumption of St. Naum and 1400 years since the beginning of the proclamation of the Quran.

Objectives of the Conference

The Conference shall serve for further definition and accomplishment of both priorities and joint objectives outlined at the First World Conference in Ohrid in the year 2007. Consequently, its main objectives are the following:

  • Discussing the role of religion and culture in transformation of society and impact by the globalization processes.
  • Emphasizing the impact of cultural heritage on promotion of mutual confidence and respect.
  • Considering the issue of strengthening and further fostering of dialogue for the purpose of increasing mutual confidence among members of different religions and hindering any occurrence of conflicts.
  • Discussing/ opening a discussion about the contribution of media to promotion of peace, security and raising mutual religious tolerance.


Expected outcomes

The holding of this conference, by exchanging opinions and experiences of the representatives of different religions and cultures, is expected to contribute to promotion of religion and culture as factors for peace and respect for religious rights and cultural diversity as a foundation of peace and prosperity. Additionally, the conference will underline the role of religion and culture in transformation of society.

The conference will further acknowledge and affirm the truth that culture may play a key role in surpassing religious and racial prejudices and international intolerances, by cherishing and nurturing century-old traditional understanding in multiethnic relations.

The restoration of mutual confidence and establishment of interreligious and inter-civilization dialogue are to liberate the world from past prejudices and delusions.

Participants

  • Heads of States and Governments, Ministers of Internal Affairs, Ministers of Culture, Directors/ Presidents of Commissions for Relations with Religious Communities and Religious Groups from the region of South-Eastern Europe.
  • Religious leaders, senior representatives of religious communities and organizations.
  • Representatives of international organizations, such as UNESCO, Alliance of Civilizations, Council of Europe, Organization of Islamic Conference, League of Arab States, Council of Churches, International Conference of Religions for Peace, International Organization of Francophone Countries.
  • Eminent and distinguished experts and professors that deal with religious and cultural issues.
  • Representatives of the young and the nongovernmental civil sector.


Working languages: Macedonian, English, French and Russian.


Terms and conditions for participation

The organizer will fully cover the expenses for the Heads of State, religious leaders, mediators and participants with presentations in writing, as well as for the members of the International Committee in charge of organizing the Second World Conference. The airplane tickets (economy class) will be procured by the organizer in agreement with the participants.

For the other participants the organizer will cover only the accommodation and daily expenses (meals and cultural activities).

Contact information

Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia

Gjuro Gjakovik no. 61 – 1000 Skopje
Tel: 00 389 240 533, + 240 594
Fax: 00 389 240 561, + 3226 920
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website of the conference: www.worldconferenceohrid.kultura.gov.mk
(Through which you can directly register for the conference)

Visa regime

Should you require a visa for your trip to Macedonia (Ohrid), you are to consult your competent institution/ agency or visit the following webpage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs http:// www.mfa.gov.mk for further details.