Yogyakarta APEC Intercultural and Faith Symposium to Strengthen Trust
Promoting practical cooperation and building personal bridges between differing religious beliefs and cultures is the aim of the 'APEC Intercultural and Faith Symposium' beginning in Yogyakarta tomorrow.
Organized by Indonesia and co-sponsored by Russia and the United States, the symposium on October 5-6 will provide a forum to exchange views on intercultural and faith issues and concerns.
"To accomplish the APEC vision, there's a need to go beyond economic parameters. Initiatives such as this Symposium seek to deepen the spirit of community in the Asia-Pacific region, which would then contribute to the realization of our Leaders' vision of stability, security and prosperity," said Primo Alui Joelianto, Indonesia's APEC Senior Official.
"APEC Member Economies are home to a great range of cultures, religions and spiritual beliefs, and this creates opportunities for us to discuss these issues as a regional community." said Ambassador Joelianto
"We can draw inspiration and strength by identifying common ground in our culture and faith, so as to create a stronger regional community bonded in commonalities and acceptance."
Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Hassan Wirajuda and the Governor of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, are expected to open the Symposium, while Indonesia's Minister of Tourism and Culture, Jero Wacik, will conclude the event.
Prominent speakers from China, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Russia, the United States, and Indonesia will participate in the meeting. Discussion will centre around current topical issues and APEC's role in the region for building greater understanding between people, as well as efforts to promote practical actions to embrace diversity and expand dialogue among APEC members.
The two-day Symposium will also undertake a number of field visits to significant local faith related locations including the Borobudur Temple which is the largest Buddhist monument on earth, the majestic Hindu Temple of Prambanan, and the Church of the Sacred Heart of Ganjuran that is a unique Church adopting a Hindu-Javanese style in performing Christian religious services.
Delegates will also visit the Pondok Pesantren Krapyak or the Krapyak Moslem Center, an Islamic boarding school that upholds tolerance and moderation in its teaching.
Speakers participating in the symposium will include a cross-section of representatives from APEC Member Economy governments, academia, the business sector and civil society involved in the promotion of inter-cultural and inter-faith understanding.