An International Conference on Interfaith Dialogue towards Global Peace at the Peace Embassy in Brussels, Belgium, unanimously passed a resolution entitled "Brussels Peace Declaration on Religious Coexistence" on December 1, 2007.
Participants discussed the importance of interfaith harmony and conflict resolution to combat extremism, intolerance, hatred, and violence in the name of religion.
The conference was organized by the Universal Peace Federation-Belgium and the Institute of Peace and Development, a European think tank. Both organizations affirmed that they will work together to promote and preserve peace, justice, human rights, equality, genuine brotherhood, and tolerance. Cultivating friendly interactions among people of diverse cultures and religions will help create an environment conducive to building peace and harmony among communities and peoples.
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Prominent Pakistani intellectual, Major General (retired) Muhammad Tahir, Director of Welfare Education for the Fauji Foundation of Pakistan, was the keynote speaker and received the Institute of Peace and Development's Peace Award 2007 and a UPF appointment as an Ambassador for Peace. He said that all religions promote a message of peace, harmony, love, and compassion.
He described the basic principles and moral values that govern Islamic nations' dealings with other nations. He said that justice is the inalienable right of all people and that oppressing other people is forbidden, irrespective of their religion, color, or ethnicity.