The King Abdullah International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) is hosting the annual meeting of the Steering Committee of the Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation Platform (IPDC) in Tunisia. The meeting will bring together religious leaders, peacebuilding activists, and representatives of organizations with religious values from Tunisia, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt. This meeting is taking place during challenging times in the region, highlighting the crucial role of religious leaders and dialogue actors in promoting social cohesion and coexistence.
During the meeting, discussions will focus on the strategic action plan for the Arab region for 2024 and 2025. The aim is to strengthen dialogue and cooperation among followers of different religions and to support peacebuilding efforts in the region. Participants will also explore ways to help religious leaders mitigate the impact of crises that are affecting the region. Additionally, a side event will showcase dialogue projects supported by KAICIID and local partners since 2020, evaluating their impact and identifying future collaboration opportunities.
The program includes presentations of five distinct local initiatives under the “Dialogue Projects in the Arab Region” program. These initiatives encompass artistic, awareness-raising, and training projects designed to enhance community capacities and provide platforms for dialogue between followers of different religions and cultures. The projects also focus on combatting hate speech, empowering youth, promoting community cohesion, countering violent extremism, and preserving heritage and religious sites through collaboration with religious leaders, policymakers, and youth.
KAICIID’s ongoing efforts aim to foster dialogue among individuals of diverse religions and cultures while supporting initiatives that contribute to building cohesive societies grounded in tolerance and peace. By promoting dialogue and cooperation, KAICIID seeks to create opportunities for understanding and collaboration among different faith communities, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of social harmony and respect for cultural diversity.
The meeting in Tunisia underscores the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing the challenges facing communities in the region. By bringing together religious leaders, peacebuilders, and representatives of organizations with religious values, KAICIID aims to facilitate meaningful discussions and initiatives that promote peace, coexistence, and mutual understanding. Through strategic planning and collaborative efforts, participants can work towards building stronger communities and fostering a culture of respect and acceptance.
As the meeting progresses, participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and engage in dialogue that supports peaceful coexistence and social cohesion. By highlighting the impact of dialogue projects and exploring opportunities for future cooperation, KAICIID and its partners are reinforcing their commitment to promoting unity, understanding, and respect among followers of different religions and cultures in the Arab region. Through continued collaboration and advocacy for dialogue, KAICIID is playing a vital role in advancing interreligious and intercultural understanding and cooperation in the pursuit of a more harmonious and inclusive society.
