KAICIID to Hold Annual Interreligious Dialogue Meeting in Tunisia

The King Abdullah International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) will convene the annual meeting of the Steering Committee of the Interreligious Platform for Dialogue and Cooperation in Tunisia on October 15, 2024. The gathering, announced by the Saudi Press Agency, brings together religious leaders, peacebuilding actors, and representatives from organizations promoting religious values across Tunisia, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt.

Context and Background

KAICIID, an intergovernmental organization founded by Saudi Arabia in 2012, operates with a mandate to foster interreligious and intercultural understanding worldwide. This annual meeting reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to supporting dialogue as a tool for peace and stability, particularly in regions affected by conflict and humanitarian challenges. The Arab region has faced significant crises that have strained social cohesion, and this platform aims to address these challenges through collaborative interfaith efforts.

Key Details

KAICIID announced in a press statement that the meeting will focus on discussing the 2024-2025 strategic action plan for the Arab region. This plan aims to strengthen dialogue and cooperation among followers of different religions, supporting peace and coexistence efforts in crisis-affected areas. Religious leaders will work together to mitigate challenges caused by ongoing crises and foster a culture of peace. A side event is also planned to highlight dialogue projects supported by KAICIID and implemented by local partners since 2020, serving as an opportunity to assess the impact of these initiatives and explore future cooperation avenues.

Regional and International Impact

The meeting reinforces KAICIID’s commitment to advancing interfaith and intercultural dialogue, promoting peaceful coexistence, and supporting initiatives that build cohesive societies grounded in tolerance and peace. It also serves as an important platform for fostering communication between regional partners, aligning their efforts toward a more stable and cooperative future. The involvement of multiple countries underscores the collective desire for regional stability and the role of religious dialogue in achieving it.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative directly aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes the Kingdom’s role as a global leader in promoting tolerance, moderation, and intercultural understanding. By supporting platforms like KAICIID, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to fostering peace and stability beyond its borders, contributing to a more harmonious and cooperative global community. The meeting in Tunisia represents a tangible step toward realizing this vision, showcasing Saudi leadership in interreligious dialogue as a cornerstone of international diplomacy.

20 Questions

Q1. What is KAICIID?

A1. KAICIID is the King Abdullah International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, an intergovernmental organization founded by Saudi Arabia to promote interfaith and intercultural understanding globally.

Q2. When and where is the annual steering committee meeting being held?

A2. The meeting will take place on October 15, 2024, in Tunisia, bringing together religious leaders and representatives from six Arab countries.

Q3. Which countries are participating in the meeting?

A3. Participants include representatives from Tunisia, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt, along with regional peacebuilding actors.

Q4. What is the main focus of the 2024-2025 strategic action plan?

A4. The plan aims to strengthen dialogue and cooperation among followers of different religions, supporting peace and coexistence in crisis-affected regions.

Q5. Who announced the meeting?

A5. The meeting was announced by the Saudi Press Agency, citing an official press statement from KAICIID.

Q6. What is the purpose of the side event?

A6. The side event will highlight dialogue projects supported by KAICIID and implemented by local partners since 2020, assessing their impact and exploring future cooperation.

Q7. How does the meeting support peace efforts in the Arab region?

A7. Religious leaders will work together to mitigate challenges caused by ongoing crises and foster a culture of peace through interfaith dialogue.

Q8. What is the role of Saudi Arabia in KAICIID?

A8. Saudi Arabia founded KAICIID in 2012 and remains a key supporter, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to interreligious dialogue and global peace.

Q9. How does this meeting align with Vision 2030?

A9. It supports Vision 2030’s goals of promoting tolerance, moderation, and global leadership in intercultural understanding and peacebuilding.

Q10. What topics will be discussed during the meeting?

A10. The meeting will cover the strategic action plan, dialogue initiatives, and ways to enhance cooperation among religious leaders from participating countries.

Q11. Why is interreligious dialogue important for the region?

A11. It helps build cohesive societies, reduce tensions, and promote peaceful coexistence in regions facing crises and diversity challenges.

Q12. How many countries are involved in the steering committee?

A12. The steering committee includes representatives from six countries: Tunisia, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt.

Q13. What is KAICIID’s overall mission?

A13. KAICIID’s mission is to foster interreligious and intercultural dialogue to promote peace, understanding, and cooperation worldwide.

Q14. Who are the participants in the meeting?

A14. Participants include religious leaders, peacebuilding actors, and representatives of organizations promoting religious values from the six member countries.

Q15. What is the significance of the meeting in Tunisia?

A15. It provides a platform for regional partners to coordinate efforts and align strategies for a more stable and cooperative future.

Q16. How does KAICIID support local dialogue initiatives?

A16. KAICIID funds and supports projects implemented by local partners since 2020, focusing on interfaith dialogue and community peacebuilding.

Q17. What challenges does the strategic plan address?

A17. The plan addresses challenges caused by ongoing crises in the Arab region, aiming to mitigate their impact through dialogue and cooperation.

Q18. How does the meeting foster regional cooperation?

A18. It encourages communication and collaboration among regional partners, aligning their efforts toward shared peace and stability goals.

Q19. What is the expected outcome of the meeting?

A19. The meeting aims to finalize the strategic action plan and assess the impact of past projects, setting directions for future interfaith work.

Q20. How does this event reflect Saudi leadership?

A20. It showcases Saudi Arabia’s role as a global leader in interreligious dialogue, supporting initiatives that build peace and tolerance across the region.

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