17 March 2010 – Members of the media have a significant role to play in the promotion of tolerance among religions and cultures, member countries of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) said.

During two days of debate at the Special NAM Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development (SNAMMM) being hosted by the Philippines, foreign delegates were one in saying that the media will be an important partner of governments in the campaign for tolerance, dialogue and peace.
 
Being held at the Philippine International Convention, 120 foreign delegations are gathered for the SNAMMM.

The SNAMMM seeks to address the existing, new and emerging challenges to the promotion of a culture of peace and development.  It also aims to reaffirm that the common fundamental values contained in the United Nations Millennium Declaration of freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature, and shared responsibility are essential to international relations.

In his remarks, Simbarashe S. Mumbengegwi, Foreign Minister of Zimbabwe, called upon the mass media to play their role in this initiative by promoting interreligious tolerance and understanding.

For his part, Lebanese Secretary General William Habib of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants observed that global media have a great role to play in highlighting differences, but that they can also play a vital role in emphasizing shared values.

Venezuelan Minister Counsellor Manuel Perez Iturbe shared that his country has created the Southern Television, Telesur, "to contribute to the diffusion of truthful information which would be the live expression of our nations and to promote the religious and cultural diversities."

SNAMMM's outcome document, the Manila Declaration and its Programme of Action on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development, contains principles and concrete actions for the promotion of interfaith dialogue.

Among the activities identified include encouraging media programs and initiatives that allow for better understanding of other cultures and religions, including training programmes for media practitioners to be sensitive on these matters.  END