Published: 18 January 2008
Alliance of Civilisations
Shahid Malik, British Minister for International Development has represented the UK at the Annual Forum of the Alliance of Civilisations that took place in Madrid this week.
In his intervention he emphasised the importance that the UK Government attaches to preventing violent extremism and its support for the Alliance in its efforts to do the same.
Mr Malik stressed the fact that terrorism cannot be defeated by security measures alone, saying:
"Extremists take the ideas and beliefs of a peaceful religion and manipulate them to justify appalling acts of violence".
He showed the UK support to the Alliance's focus on education, youth and media by saying "they are exactly the types of activity the international community needs to support if we are to focus on practical ways to promote our shared values and undermine the rhetoric of those who seek to divide us".
The Minister highlighted the importance of taking initiatives within local communities to wear down the extremist narrative, saying:
"Governments will play a central role in preventing extremism, but it will need a united effort - from Governments, civil society, the media, the private sector and opinion formers - on a national, international and local level - to ensure that extremism, wherever it is found, is rejected by the communities and individuals that are threatened by it".
In this respect, he expressed the UK Government's support for the proposals of the Alliance of Civilisations to develop ways to support the use of TV and film to promote tolerance and understanding, saying:
"The United Kingdom works closely with civil society groups to increase the platforms for exactly these kind of messages, whether it is radio programmes that talk about issues for women or TV discussion shows about citizenship and identity.
Empowering groups who may otherwise be vulnerable or disadvantaged - women, young people and others - will be key to achieving tolerance, respect and mutual understanding across communities".
As Minister for International Development, Mr Malik announced a new volunteering scheme to be launched by his Department, which will enable young people to get personally involved in international development activities and to share their experiences with their peers when they get back.
He concluded by saying:
"We anticipate that this scheme will help build greater levels of understanding about other cultures and a commitment by young people to continue working to improve the lives of the poor".
Shahid Malik is the first British-born Muslim to be made a Minister in any British Government.
Further information
Alliance of Civilisations
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