Kathmandu: The UN General Assembly: has unanimously passed a resolution, sponsored by Pakistan and the Philippines, that underscores the need for promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue to advance a culture of peace and non-violence in the world.

According to Radio Pakistan, the resolution, which was co-sponsored by dozens of countries, called on States to promote inclusion and unity to combat racism, xenophobia, hate speech, violence, and discrimination. It also reaffirmed the solemn commitment of all States to fulfill their obligations to promote universal respect for and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Introducing the text, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, stressed that it is essential to promote a culture of peace-one that embraces diversity and inclusivity, and safeguards fundamental rights and freedoms. The resolution reaffirms that violence is never a justifiable or acceptable response to acts of intolerance and that 'such violence should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group'.