Inter–faith cooperation urged for developing society

New Delhi – Over twenty faith–based organizations (FBOs) representing different faiths participated recently in a conference to commit themselves in uplifting the society and promote inter–faith harmony and dialogue through the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The MDGs translate human development into simple and meaningful objectives; they go right to the heart of improving lives of people and address some of the most enduring problems of human suffering. More importantly, they are achievable goals, dependant only upon political will and citizen’s determination. In substance, they constitute an agenda for eradicating poverty – human poverty not just income poverty – in the world.

Faith leaders and FBOs have always been part of global solutions for human suffering. They have demonstrated their love and compassion through education and health initiatives. Innovations such as telemedicine in health and ICT in education have linked this deprived community to world.

Global experience tells us that faith organizations also have tremendous potential to play a critical role in partnerships and coalitions that are needed to confront even greater issues related to human sufferings. For instance Uganda, Thailand and Senegal, are three countries that have witnessed their courageous and effective efforts related to HIV/AIDS.