KAICIID Global Forum in Lisbon to Promote Peace Through Dialogue

The King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) will convene a Global Dialogue Forum in Lisbon, Portugal, from May 14 to 16, 2024, themed “Transformative Dialogue: Building Alliances for Peace in a Rapidly Changing World.” The event, announced by the Saudi Press Agency, marks a significant milestone in KAICIID’s decade-long efforts to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue for global change and peacebuilding.

Context and Background

KAICIID, an intergovernmental organization founded by Saudi Arabia, Austria, and Spain, with the Holy See as a founding observer, has been a pioneering force in fostering dialogue among followers of different religions and cultures. The Centre’s work aligns with the Kingdom’s commitment to moderation, tolerance, and global peace, as well as its Vision 2030 goal of fostering a more open and interconnected society. The Lisbon forum builds on KAICIID’s extensive track record of convening religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society to address shared challenges.

The forum will take place in Lisbon, a city known for its historical role in bridging civilizations. It aims to explore the transformative potential of dialogue in advancing human rights, enhancing social cohesion, promoting reconciliation, and facilitating environmental cooperation. The event underscores KAICIID’s mission to address the world’s most pressing challenges through inclusive, dialogical tools and approaches.

Key Details

The Global Dialogue Forum will bring together an exclusive gathering of influential leaders from decision-making institutions. Among the distinguished participants are former French President François Hollande, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Constantinople, Matteo Renzi, former Italian Prime Minister, and former President of Austria, Mr. Heinz Fischer. Their presence highlights the forum’s global reach and its potential to shape policies and priorities for peaceful coexistence.

The three-day event will feature plenary sessions, panel discussions, and working groups focused on developing comprehensive partnerships to address complex and interconnected global challenges. Topics will include the role of dialogue in conflict resolution, the promotion of sustainable development, and the importance of environmental stewardship. The forum also aims to enhance cooperation among countries, international institutions, and civil society to build bridges of understanding and coexistence between cultures and religions.

Implications and Impact

The KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum is expected to have a significant impact on shaping international policies and setting priorities for peaceful coexistence. By convening high-level political figures, intellectual leaders, and clerics, the forum provides a unique platform to discuss the challenges facing peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in the face of rapid transformations. The outcomes of the forum could influence global discourse on interfaith harmony and contribute to more prosperous and advanced societies.

For Saudi Arabia, the forum represents another opportunity to demonstrate its leadership in promoting moderation and dialogue on the world stage. The Kingdom’s support for KAICIID reflects its broader efforts to foster global peace and stability, in line with its Vision 2030 objectives. The participation of the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to representing the voice of moderate Islam and building bridges with other faiths.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to build a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. By promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue, the forum supports the Vision’s goal of fostering a culture of tolerance and moderation, both within the Kingdom and internationally. It also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a global leader in peacebuilding and sustainable development, demonstrating the Kingdom’s dedication to creating a more harmonious and prosperous world for all.

20 Questions

Q1. What is KAICIID?

A1. The King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) is an intergovernmental organization founded by Saudi Arabia, Austria, and Spain, with the Holy See as a founding observer, dedicated to promoting dialogue among different religions and cultures.

Q2. When and where will the Global Dialogue Forum take place?

A2. The forum will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, from May 14 to 16, 2024.

Q3. What is the theme of the forum?

A3. The theme is “Transformative Dialogue: Building Alliances for Peace in a Rapidly Changing World.”

Q4. Who are some of the key participants?

A4. Participants include former French President François Hollande, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Matteo Renzi, and former Austrian President Heinz Fischer.

Q5. What is the main objective of the forum?

A5. The forum aims to develop comprehensive partnerships to address global challenges and promote peaceful coexistence through dialogue.

Q6. How does the forum align with KAICIID’s mission?

A6. It aligns with KAICIID’s mission to address global challenges through inclusive dialogue and to foster interreligious and intercultural understanding.

Q7. Why is Lisbon chosen as the venue?

A7. Lisbon is a modern, vibrant city with a historical role in bridging civilizations, making it an ideal location for a global dialogue forum.

Q8. What topics will be discussed?

A8. Topics include human rights, social cohesion, reconciliation, environmental cooperation, and sustainable development.

Q9. Who is Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid?

A9. He is the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and a prominent religious figure representing moderate Islam.

Q10. How does the forum relate to Saudi Vision 2030?

A10. It supports Vision 2030’s goals of fostering tolerance and moderation and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global role in peacebuilding.

Q11. What is the expected impact of the forum?

A11. It is expected to shape policies and priorities for peaceful coexistence and contribute to more prosperous societies.

Q12. How long has KAICIID been promoting dialogue?

A12. KAICIID has been promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue for over a decade.

Q13. What role does Saudi Arabia play in KAICIID?

A13. Saudi Arabia is a founding member and a key supporter of KAICIID’s mission to foster global dialogue.

Q14. What is the significance of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I’s participation?

A14. His participation highlights the forum’s broad religious representation and commitment to interfaith dialogue.

Q15. Will the forum address environmental issues?

A15. Yes, environmental cooperation is one of the key topics on the agenda.

Q16. How can the forum enhance cooperation among countries?

A16. By providing a platform for leaders to discuss and develop joint initiatives for peace and sustainable development.

Q17. What is the expected outcome of the forum?

A17. The forum aims to produce actionable recommendations and partnerships to advance dialogue and peacebuilding.

Q18. How does the forum promote human rights?

A18. Through dialogue that emphasizes dignity, equality, and mutual respect among all people.

Q19. What is the role of civil society in the forum?

A19. Civil society participates in discussions and contributes to building bridges between cultures and religions.

Q20. How can the public follow the forum’s proceedings?

A20. Updates will be available through official KAICIID channels and the Saudi Press Agency.

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