LET THERE BE LIGHT
FIFTH WORLD CONFERENCE ON DIALOGUE AMONG RELIGIONS AND CIVILIZATIONS
About us
Bearing in mind the universal values and principles contained in each religion, as well as the fact that the diversity of cultures, religions and civilizations is a contribution and great potential, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia supported the organization of the World Conferences on Dialogue among Religions and Civilizations that are held every three years starting in 2007 and which Conference will be organized for the fifth time by the Commission for Relations with the Religious Communities and Groups in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture.
The organization of such an important world conference in the Republic of Macedonia is a form of contribution to the humane vision of the late President of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Boris Trajkovski, who, on his own initiative and with the help of UNESCO, realized the first Regional Summit of the Heads of States in SEE titled Dialogue Between Civilizations in 2003 in Ohrid.
Since the First World Conference that was held in 2007 in the Balkan Jerusalem, the city of Ohrid, to this day, with the generous support of our international friends, UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, many important institutions and prominent figures have given their particular and exceptional contribution to the realization of this great idea. All of them have pledged to build a new world and a new era of understanding, in which man and mankind will find themselves again and inexorably enter into dialogue and cooperation with the other.
Fifth world conference on inter-religious and inter-civilization dialogue “Let there be light”
The Fifth World Conference on Dialogue among Civilizations and Religions will be held in Skopje, on the topic “LET THERE BE LIGHT”
Changed concept, attractive guests, impressive messages!
Skopje will be the place where the views of renowned personalities in the sphere of art, science, social and civic activism, and, of course, religion will be crossed in October.
The Conference will be held in several locations, and the program will include panel discussions, special events, intermezzo events, as well as artistic exhibitions and performances.
Religion had a strong influence on the creation of the world’s civilizational culture. The culture that has been created, with its traditions, is, in the sense of its value, one of the pillars upon which religion is always supported. Living in a global world, progressive ideas are becoming louder. The individual lives in a world where the attainment of personal well-being is a real art.
They said
„The renewal of the mutual trust and the openness of the dialogue among the religions attained at this conference has effectively contributed to the liberation of the world from disappointment, prejudice and division, and to the promotion of an effective pedagogy of peace based on trust and friendship.”
„The fact that so many leading figures of different backgrounds are gathered in one place to find common understanding and a common goal deserves only praises. It also gives a huge impetus to all who would like to see greater respect and understanding among religions and cultures in the name of world peace. Thank you for the outstanding example you give today.“
„The Republic of Macedonia is an ideal place where such essential dialogue is held that brings civilizations together. Peace frames that are colored by international politics and economies are motivated by personal interests and can be an obstacle to common peace. We must find ways to make peace. Cultures that are rich in diversity like this country can express themselves better than political entities. Dialogue and exchange can lead us to harmony. I am convinced that the dialogue among nations and religions will help to create a great vision for the future.”
„The Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric welcomes this conference because it is more than necessary to restore the permanent spiritual (gospel) values and to remind ourselves that every person should be completely free, which means that he can love and be loved , to hope and to believe, to be in an equal community with others, and especially in unity with God.“
„The World Conference on Inter-religious and Inter-civilization dialogue is an important platform for getting knowledge of the religion and culture of all communities that contribute to the building of our society. This year’s theme ‘freedom and dignity’ points to the importance of these two basic human values that define us individually and within our communities. The goal of the Conference is to bring us together to discuss and confirm such universal values deeply rooted in our religious cultural identities.“
„I am glad that I can commend the host country, which kindly welcomed us to initiate and maintain this process that is of essential importance. Let us remember this conference as a new commitment to move from a thought to action, from a concept to application and because of the original and concrete contribution of the Council of Europe to this process.“
„Religion certainly can help understanding the nations, because it is not by chance that here are gathered so many responsible and respected representatives of different confessions. This Conference significantly contributed not only for mutual acquaintance of the participants, but also in the direction of approximation of the different attitudes they had in relation to specific issues.“
„I believe that this particular Ohrid spirit of tolerance and mutual respect is very important not only for this part of the world, but for the whole world. The message that is sent to us by this Conference is to forget about ourselves and to love and respect our neighbor, and whenever we communicate with other nations, religions or cultures, we must take off our shoes because we stand on a holy country.“
„I firmly believe in the serious potential of this Conference. It is one of the most important forums for exchange of views and experiences among the representatives of different cultures, religions and beliefs.“
„I am pleased that this World Conference will take place this year which integrates both inter-religious and inter-civilization dialogue. In the dialogue, we recognize the only correct way in which diversity would be found on the same path, precisely in a quest for answers to that the challenges of time to which we, as people with responsibility, should give an answer, just as our people rightfully expect from us.“
„I see this conference as an excellent opportunity for religious leaders to work together in order to find a way for more effective integration of migrants and mutual respect for diversity.”
