cultural, twin-track approach. On the political track, the Extraordinary Islamic Summit convened in Makkah by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques reaffirmed the consensus of all Islamic countries in rejecting violence, extremism and terrorism, and promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect. The General Assembly of the United Nations subsequently held a high-level meeting during its previous session with a view to securing the broadest possible political support at the highest level for all initiatives seeking to promote dialogue, mutual understanding and a culture of peace. On the socio-cultural track, Muslim religious scholars representing all Islamic denominations and schools of thought also met at Makkah where they affirmed the true nature of the Islamic religion and its message based on tolerance, dialogue and peace. This was followed, on 16-18 July 2007, by the World Conference on Dialogue at Madrid which was attended by representatives of all the major religions. Diligent endeavours are currently being made to establish a global centre for dialogue, comprising representatives of all main religions, which will operate in an independent manner totally free from any political interference. Mr. President, It has become evident that the environmental, economic, social and financial issues affect us all and no State can face them alone or single-handedly avoid the dangers and challenges that they pose. No region anywhere in the world has been unaffected by the implications of the US credit crisis, which has had an impact on the international financial system, thereby undermining the world economy and confronting it with serious challenges that have entailed a slow-down in global real growth rates. --More
