UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has praised China's native
Taoism as containing ideals of the world.
"Taoism's philosophy of harmony, goodwill and cooperation
encapsulates essential ideals for our global society," said Ban
Ki-moon at a congratulatory message to the ongoing International Forum on Daodejing,
which started here Sunday in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
"These values also underpin the United Nation's own efforts to
promote dialogue and cooperation between civilizations," he
said.
He mentioned that at the 2005 World Summit, world leaders
pledged "to take action to promote a culture of peace and dialogue
at local, national, regional and international levels" and
emphasized the value of dialogue between cultures and
civilizations.
"Together, we must seek to further the basic ideals of all the
world's major faiths. We must build societies that respect
individuals beliefs and practices," he said.
The theme of this gathering, "Constructing a Harmonious World
Through Tao", Ban Ki-moon said, provides a timely opportunity to
promote tolerance and understanding.
(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2007)