Call to prevent misuse of social media

Prominent leaders of Abrahamic faiths, religion scholars and representatives of inter-faith dialogue groups Wednesday urged the setting up of codes of conduct to prevent misuse of social media and promote peace and harmony. All speakers at the concluding session on the third and last day of the Ninth Doha Conference on Inter-faith Dialogue were unanimous in their views for establishing a set of codes to ensure that social media like Facebook, Twitter and You Tube among other are used responsibly. International Foundation for Interreligious and Intercultural Education President Dr Armando Bernardini, in his address to the gathering, said, "An adequate social media global code of conduct in inter-faith matters should be aware of our differences, foster an attitude of mutual commitment to build a community of peace and solidarity." International Association for Religious Freedom''s Representative to the United Nations Dr John B Taylor said, "Education is important to change attitudes for inter-faith dialogue and co-operation. "This change is evident in the United Nations which is now examining ways and means to enhance dialogue. I hope this conference will not be seen as an end to the discussions, but a new beginning." Former Sudanese President Abdel Rahman Mohammed Hassan Suwar Al Dahab, in his concluding remarks, suggested three proposals, "Establish an international organisation based in Doha, propagate the philosophy of inter-faith dialogue and remove hindrances that hamper dialogue and establish a code of conduct that will cover the social media’s operating rules." United Kingdom-based Rabbi Hershel Gluck, rounding off the concluding session, gave the example of Prophet Noah''s (PBUH) Ark in which different species of animals co-existed in peace and harmony. "Noah shows us that one person can stand up against the criticism and negativity and save his family," said Gluck and added "The Almighty''s message is we should live with goodness and kindness and disseminate goodness and kindness to each other. The bottom line is that new age social media like Facebook is a tremendous tool, it can be kinder and better