Regretfully recognising that since the terror attack in the USA on 11th September 2001, the world has witnessed increased polarization - polarization based on a supposed clash of civilizations,
Concerned that this polarization is being translated into violence around the world whether in the form of wars, violent confrontations between nations, or internal strife and confrontation between religious and ethnic populations within the national boundaries of countries,
Aware of the importance of the dialogue and tolerance aspects in the process of peaceful conflict resolution between different religions, ideologies and cultures,
Realizing the importance of promoting a better knowledge of the other in order to reach tolerance and realize the universality of the human condition,
The International Council of Women:
Recommends in its consultative status that the United Nations takes a leadership role in promoting a greater tolerance around the world by mobilizing financial resources for programs aimed at generating a better understanding between nations and cultures,
Calls on its Permanent and Accredited Representatives to The United Nations to support the work of the United Nations in implementing such programs,
Calls on governments to introduce and/or further enhance effective programs at national level aimed at promoting a better understanding of the other between the various religions and ethnics groups that constitute the fabric of their society,
Urges National Councils to:
• Contribute to the efforts aimed at closing the gap between East and West by underlining the universality of the feminine condition, stressing the discrimination women face all around the world and the similitude in the problems of concern to them,
• Organize campaigns aimed at promoting dialogue and interaction between the diverse national groups,
• Sponsor regional and international venues that initiate or enhance dialogue between the various ideologies and beliefs,
• Reach out to the local media to support the initiatives aimed at promoting greater tolerance.
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Source: International Council of Women (ICW-CIF) — General Assembly, Kiev, 2006. Resolution No. 4.
