The Department of Foreign Affairs will call on member states of the United Nations, as well as political and religious leaders, to promote inclusivity and unity to combat racism, xenophobia, hate speech, violence and discrimination.

The DFA issued the statement following the adoption of a resolution to promote inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue by the United Nations General Assembly by consensus.

Pakistan and the Philippines sponsored the measure, titled Promotion of Inter-religious and Inter-cultural Dialogue, Understanding and Cooperation for Peace resolution, which was passed last 18 December.

The sponsors of the UNGA resolution said the measure would strengthen mechanisms and actions to promote dialogue across the cultural and religious divide.

In their joint letter to UN members pushing for the adoption, the Philippines and Pakistan said: "With your invaluable support, we are hopeful that the United Nations General Assembly will reinforce its enduring pledge to foster and retain a Culture of Peace — a commitment that is more essential now than ever."

Signing the letter were the Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Antonio Lagdameo, and Pakistan Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Munir Akram.

The resolution emphasized the importance of the UN Alliance of Civilizations and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization in fostering interreligious and intercultural communication at all levels.

Since 2004, the Philippines and Pakistan have spearheaded the negotiations and adoption of the resolution under the General Assembly's culture of peace agenda.