It is an empire that allows a privileged minority to dominate and control the world. Its dominant power is perpetuated through war and violence.It is an empire in which the vast majority of humankind remains poor and powerless. It panders to the unbridled greed of a few but fails to provide for the basic needs of the many.An empire which encourages greed to grow and selfishness to spread is a threat to humanity. It undermines the spiritual and moral basis of civilization.It would be a tragedy if such an empire becomes the inheritance of our children.This is why, all of us, wherever we are, and whoever we are, must do all we can to help create a just world. This is the duty and responsibility of every human being. This is a task that transcends ethnic and religious affinities, national and regional boundaries. It is a challenge that goes beyond the North-South divide, the First World-Third World dichotomy.Today, more than at any other time in the past, human civilization possesses the knowledge and technology to create a just world. We have broken down most of the physical and geographical barriers that separate human beings from one another. Indeed, we have in the last few decades, evolved new and more effective means of communication with the potential of bringing humankind close together. This is what makes the present situation conducive for inter-faith, inter-civilizational dialogue.