We call on leaders to use their spheres of influence – at the community, local, provincial, national, regional and global levels – to work together to promote and ensure social inclusion and cohesion.
We declare that there is no other option – no plan B – if we are to avoid a world continually wracked by identity-based tensions, inter-community divisions, inequality, and injustice. Without action, tension will continue to beget conflict, and conflict will breed violence.
We believe in building shared societies, based on co-operation and welcoming the contributions of all.
We believe in this basic principles:
Respect for the dignity of every individual.
Respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Equality and fairness in building shared societies. It cannot exist where there is discrimination, marginalisation and lack of opportunity for all.
We believe that democracy enhances the possibility of building a shared society if all sections of society are able to express their aspirations and needs.
We Call to Action:
We have identified 10 areas of policy commitments that complement one another towards achieving a shared society and to which we call all leaders to commit themselves to action.
We call on all other sectors of society to support leaders to make and implement these commitments.
We cannot wait!
We believe there is no excuse for avoiding the imperative to build social cohesion. So we call on all leaders to endorse and act on this Call to Action.
