I am delighted to convey my warm wishes to all participants in this conference on the religious dimension of intercultural dialogue.

You gather at a time of rising intolerance and growing cross-cultural tensions. Events of recent years –from terrorism and the means used to fight it, to offending statements or publications –have only accelerated these trends. They have exposed a widening gulf between communities and nations. If unaddressed, this divide has the potential to undermine broader peace and stability in our world.

Today, there is an urgent need to rebuild bridges and to engage in a sustained and constructive intercultural dialogue, one that stresses common values and shared aspirations. People of faith can play a leading role in such an exchange. They can stress the core beliefs and ideals found in all the great faith traditions: compassion, solidarity, respect for life, and kindness towards others. They can urge their fellow believers to treating others as they themselves would wish to be treated.

By bringing together civil society and religious leaders from across Europe, your meeting is well placed to advance this message. You discussion can also contribute to the UN's own initiative for an Alliance of Civilizations. Launched in 2005 with the support of the Governments of Turkey and Spain, this project responds to the clear need for action by the international community to bridge divides and promote understanding. Based on the recommendations of a panel of eminent persons, the Alliance has established several priority areas for action, including the role of the media in promoting dialogue, the pressures on youth and immigrant communities, and the political factors that can promote extremism.

As religious and community leaders, you have tremendous influence in your societies. I hope you will use it to teach your followers to actively learn about other cultures, societies and religions, and to build a true alliance of all peoples and all civilizations.

In that spirit let me wish you a most productive conference.