KAICIID New Board Holds First Meeting in Portugal, Advancing Global Dialogue

The newly appointed Board of Directors of the International Dialogue Center (KAICIID) convened its inaugural meeting on Wednesday at the center’s headquarters in Lisbon, Portugal, marking a significant step in advancing global interfaith and intercultural dialogue. The meeting was held under the leadership of Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims’ Board and Sheikh ul-Islam of Caucasus Allahshukur Pashazade and Elder Metropolitan of Chalcedon and Representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Emmanuel Adamakis, underscoring the center’s commitment to inclusive religious representation. KAICIID Secretary General Dr. Zuhair Alharthi welcomed the new board members, expressing gratitude for the work of the previous board and emphasizing the need to build on their achievements in fostering dialogue among followers of various religions and cultures to promote peace, stability, development, and progress.

Context and Background

KAICIID, an intergovernmental organization founded by Saudi Arabia, Austria, and Spain, along with the Holy See as a founding observer, has a mission to facilitate dialogue that bridges divides and promotes peaceful coexistence. The center’s new board members come from diverse religious backgrounds, reflecting its international and inclusive mandate. The meeting in Lisbon signals the center’s operational continuity and strategic focus, coming at a time when global conflicts often center on religious and cultural misunderstandings. Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support for KAICIID aligns with its broader foreign policy goals of promoting moderation, tolerance, and dialogue as tools for conflict resolution and societal harmony.

Key Details

During the meeting, board members reached consensus on several ambitious plans aimed at enhancing KAICIID’s role as a leading international platform for dialogue. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening international partnerships that foster understanding, peace, and peaceful coexistence among diverse communities. Secretary General Dr. Zuhair Alharthi stated that the board also reviewed the center’s future strategies to expand its influence and effectiveness in promoting dialogue and collaboration between different religions and cultures. The decisions made reflect a unified vision to expand KAICIID’s programs and reach, with an emphasis on using dialogue to address contemporary challenges such as extremist ideologies and social fragmentation.

International Impact

KAICIID’s work has global significance, as it provides a platform where leaders from various faiths can engage in constructive dialogue that de-escalates tensions and promotes mutual respect. The center’s activities in conflict zones, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, have been recognized by the United Nations and other international bodies as vital for peacebuilding. Portugal’s role as host country further demonstrates the international community’s support for KAICIID’s mission. The new board’s meeting reinforces the message that interfaith dialogue remains a cornerstone of effective diplomacy and sustainable development in a multipolar world.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The meeting and KAICIID’s ongoing work directly support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes global engagement, cultural openness, and the promotion of tolerance as part of its societal transformation. By backing institutions that foster religious and cultural dialogue, Saudi Arabia reinforces its position as a leader in moderate Islam and a champion of peaceful coexistence. As KAICIID moves forward with its renewed strategies, it will continue to serve as a model for how dialogue can bridge divides and contribute to a more stable and prosperous world, fully in line with the Kingdom’s long-term vision for a connected and harmonious global community.

20 Questions

Q1. What is KAICIID?

A1. KAICIID is the International Dialogue Center, an intergovernmental organization founded to promote dialogue among followers of different religions and cultures to foster peace and mutual understanding.

Q2. Where does KAICIID hold its meetings?

A2. The center’s headquarters is in Lisbon, Portugal, where it held its first board meeting for the newly appointed directors.

Q3. Who attended the first board meeting in Lisbon?

A3. Chairman Allahshukur Pashazade, Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel Adamakis, Secretary General Dr. Zuhair Alharthi, and other newly appointed board members attended.

Q4. What is the role of Chairman Allahshukur Pashazade?

A4. He is the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims’ Board and Sheikh ul-Islam of the Caucasus, representing Muslim communities in the region.

Q5. What is the role of Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel Adamakis?

A5. He is the Elder Metropolitan of Chalcedon and a representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a prominent Christian Orthodox authority.

Q6. Who is the Secretary General of KAICIID?

A6. Dr. Zuhair Alharthi serves as the Secretary General of KAICIID, leading the center’s initiatives and daily operations.

Q7. What was the main outcome of the meeting?

A7. The board reached consensus on ambitious plans to enhance KAICIID’s role as a leading platform for interfaith dialogue and strengthen international partnerships.

Q8. Why is Saudi Arabia involved with KAICIID?

A8. Saudi Arabia is a founding member of KAICIID and supports its mission as part of its Vision 2030 goals of promoting tolerance and global engagement.

Q9. How does KAICIID promote peace?

A9. It facilitates dialogue between leaders of different religions and cultures to reduce misunderstandings, build trust, and resolve conflicts peacefully.

Q10. What is the significance of the meeting in Lisbon?

A10. Lisbon is the host city for KAICIID’s headquarters, and the meeting signals continued international support for interfaith dialogue initiatives.

Q11. What was discussed regarding the center’s future strategies?

A11. The board reviewed strategies to expand KAICIID’s influence and effectiveness in promoting dialogue and collaboration among religions and cultures.

Q12. Who are the founding members of KAICIID?

A12. The founding members are Saudi Arabia, Austria, and Spain, with the Holy See as a founding observer.

Q13. What is KAICIID’s approach to interfaith dialogue?

A13. It uses inclusive, multi-stakeholder dialogue that brings together religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society to address global challenges.

Q14. How does KAICIID support Vision 2030?

A14. It exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to openness, moderation, and cultural exchange, which are core pillars of Vision 2030.

Q15. What was Dr. Alharthi’s message to the new board?

A15. He thanked the previous members and stressed the importance of continuing to foster dialogue to promote peace, stability, and societal progress.

Q16. What kind of partnerships does KAICIID focus on?

A16. It focuses on international partnerships with governments, religious institutions, and civil society to enhance understanding and peaceful coexistence.

Q17. Is KAICIID active in conflict zones?

A17. Yes, KAICIID has implemented dialogue-based peacebuilding programs in regions affected by conflict, including parts of Africa and the Middle East.

Q18. How does KAICIID recognize its board’s diversity?

A18. The board includes leaders from various major world religions, ensuring multiple perspectives are represented in its decision-making.

Q19. What is the global significance of KAICIID’s work?

A19. It helps counter extremism, reduce sectarian tensions, and promote a culture of dialogue as a tool for sustainable peace and development worldwide.

Q20. What is the next step for KAICIID after this meeting?

A20. The board will implement the agreed plans to expand the center’s initiatives, build new partnerships, and continue its mission of fostering global interreligious dialogue.

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