The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) ministers met in Manila, the Philippines, on March 17 to boost inter-faith dialogue and cooperation for peace and development.

In a Manila Declaration, adopted at the special ministerial meeting, NAM emphasised the importance in facilitating civilisation, tolerance and friendship among human beings regardless of their religions, faiths, cultures and languages.

The declaration reiterated NAM commitments to consolidating the culture of peace and dialogues at all levels, locally, nationally, regionally and globally, in an effort to meet internationally-agreed development targets, including Millennium Development Goals.

In a modern world, this effort should not be an option, but is an imperative, sound and productive tool to facilitate socio-economic development, peace, security, human rights and rules of law in guaranteeing a better life for all, said the declaration.

Ministers and head delegates from member states also emphasised the respect for the cultural diversity along with boosting cooperation to build a harmonious and productive future.

They also called for efforts to promote the exercising of such values and principles as justice, equality, non-discrimination, democracy, solidarity, tolerance and respect within and among communities and nations.

NAM was founded in 1961, focusing on interests of developing countries the world over. The movement has so far admitted 118 full members, 17 observer nations and 10 observer organisations, accounting almost two-thirds of the UN membership and 55 percent of the world population./.