KAICIID Forum: Renewing Dialogue, Sustainable Platforms

The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) concluded its Global Dialogue Forum in Lisbon on May 16, 2024, with a resounding call to renew dialogue efforts and establish sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant platforms for interreligious and intercultural exchange. The forum, held from May 14-16, brought together a global elite of religious leaders, policymakers, and influencers to address pressing global challenges through dialogue. In its closing statement, KAICIID emphasized the necessity of these platforms to enhance cooperation among followers of religions, religious leaders, and decision-makers, underscoring the critical role that religious and spiritual traditions can play in resolving contemporary crises.

Context and Background

KAICIID, established in 2012, is an intergovernmental organization founded by Saudi Arabia, Austria, and Spain, with the Holy See as a founding observer. The center’s relocation to Lisbon in 2023 marked a new chapter in its mission to promote dialogue among diverse cultures and religions. The forum in Lisbon was the first global gathering since this relocation, symbolizing a renewed commitment to fostering peace through dialogue. The event’s closing statement highlighted the essential elements of dialogue closely tied to KAICIID’s mission, stressing the importance of building capacities for partners to utilize dialogue methods for long-term transformations in relationships and institutional contexts.

Key Details

The closing statement emphasized that KAICIID, under the direction of Secretary-General Dr. Zuhair Al-Harthi and its board of directors, will actively incorporate the principle of dialogue necessity into its future programmatic work. The center expressed pride in the determination of partners who have been part of its journey over 12 years of achievements and joint efforts. Dr. Al-Harthi noted the diverse participation of political, religious, media, intellectual, and civil-society leaders at the same table to promote peace. “We are talking about a 10-year experience of the center, where we feel a great interaction showing that the center is an outstanding international organization achieving effective results not only in one or two countries but across multiple continents,” he said. “We witness fellowship programs, training, and active engagements for peace in Nigeria, the Central African Republic, Mozambique, and others.”

Implications and Impact

The forum’s outcomes are poised to shape global dialogue initiatives, particularly in regions affected by conflict and division. By bringing together diverse voices, KAICIID aims to build alliances that enhance and deepen dialogue worldwide. The focus on sustainable platforms suggests a long-term strategy to institutionalize dialogue as a tool for peace and understanding. The forum also underscored the crucial contribution of religious traditions in addressing global crises, including extremism, displacement, and social fragmentation. These efforts align with Saudi Arabia’s broader foreign policy goals of promoting moderation and fostering international cooperation, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to being a global leader in interfaith dialogue and conflict resolution.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The KAICIID forum’s emphasis on dialogue and peacebuilding resonates deeply with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to promote a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. By supporting interreligious and intercultural dialogue, the Kingdom reinforces its role as a global hub for tolerance and coexistence, contributing to international peace and security. As KAICIID continues to expand its reach, the center’s work will undoubtedly support Vision 2030’s goals of fostering global partnerships and enhancing the Kingdom’s standing as a force for good in the world.

20 Questions

Q1. What is KAICIID?

A1. KAICIID stands for the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue. It is an intergovernmental organization founded in 2012 by Saudi Arabia, Austria, and Spain, with the Holy See as a founding observer, dedicated to promoting dialogue among cultures and religions.

Q2. When and where was the 2024 Global Dialogue Forum held?

A2. The KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum was held in Lisbon, Portugal, from May 14-16, 2024. It was the first global forum since the center’s relocation to Lisbon in 2023.

Q3. What was the main emphasis of the forum’s closing statement?

A3. The closing statement emphasized the need to renew dialogue efforts and establish sustainable, inclusive, secure, and vibrant dialogue platforms to enhance cooperation among religious followers, leaders, and policymakers.

Q4. Who is the Secretary-General of KAICIID?

A4. The Secretary-General of KAICIID is Dr. Zuhair Al-Harthi. He has been leading the center’s efforts in promoting dialogue and peacebuilding worldwide.

Q5. Why is the forum significant for KAICIID?

A5. The forum is significant because it was KAICIID’s first global gathering after relocating to Lisbon, symbolizing a renewed commitment to its mission and showcasing its achievements over 12 years.

Q6. What role do religious traditions play in addressing global crises?

A6. Religious traditions can contribute to addressing global crises by promoting peace, reconciliation, and mutual understanding. The forum highlighted their crucial role in resolving conflicts and fostering long-term transformations in relationships.

Q7. How does KAICIID plan to incorporate dialogue into future work?

A7. KAICIID plans to actively incorporate the principle of dialogue necessity into its discussions and programmatic work, building capacities for partners to utilize dialogue methods effectively.

Q8. Which countries were mentioned as examples of KAICIID’s active engagements?

A8. Nigeria, the Central African Republic, and Mozambique were mentioned as examples where KAICIID’s fellowship programs, training, and peace engagements have been active.

Q9. What are the main objectives of the dialogue platforms?

A9. The platforms aim to enhance dialogue among religious followers, leaders, and policymakers to promote peace, understanding, and cooperation on global issues.

Q10. How does the forum’s outcome affect international relations?

A10. The forum’s outcomes can strengthen international relations by fostering interfaith dialogue and building alliances for peace, contributing to global stability and cooperation.

Q11. What is the relationship between KAICIID and Saudi Arabia?

A11. Saudi Arabia is a founding member and supporter of KAICIID, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue as part of its global role.

Q12. What did Dr. Al-Harthi say about the center’s experience?

A12. Dr. Al-Harthi highlighted the center’s 10-year experience, noting great interaction and effective results across multiple continents, not just in one or two countries.

Q13. How does KAICIID contribute to Vision 2030?

A13. KAICIID contributes to Vision 2030 by supporting Saudi Arabia’s goal to foster international cooperation and present itself as a global hub for tolerance and dialogue, aligning with the vision’s pillars of a vibrant society and ambitious nation.

Q14. What is the significance of the forum’s diverse participation?

A14. The diverse participation of political, religious, media, intellectual, and civil-society leaders demonstrates the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in promoting peace and dialogue.

Q15. What does the closing statement say about building alliances?

A15. The statement stressed KAICIID’s commitment to building alliances to enhance and deepen dialogue worldwide, expressing pride in the determination of partners over 12 years of achievements.

Q16. How does KAICIID empower its partners?

A16. KAICIID empowers partners by building capacities and providing training and fellowship programs that equip them with dialogue methods for long-term transformation in communities.

Q17. Why is sustainable dialogue platforms considered a global necessity?

A17. Sustainable dialogue platforms are necessary to address ongoing global crises, foster understanding, and create inclusive environments where diverse voices can contribute to peace and stability.

Q18. What was Dr. Al-Harthi’s view on the forum’s outcome?

A18. Dr. Al-Harthi emphasized the great interaction and the center’s role as an outstanding international organization achieving effective results, underscoring the success of the forum.

Q19. How does KAICIID’s work align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

A19. KAICIID’s work aligns with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting peaceful and inclusive societies through dialogue and cooperation.

Q20. What can be expected from KAICIID in the future?

A20. KAICIID will continue to expand its programs and partnerships, actively incorporating dialogue necessity into its future work, and aiming to have a greater impact on global peace and understanding.

---