Transatlantic Policy Network on Religion and Diplomacy Visits KAICIID

On Monday 15 May 2018, the Transatlantic Policy Network on Religion and Diplomacy visited the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) to learn about its work in promoting a culture of peaceful coexistence through fostering interreligious and intercultural dialogue.

In welcoming the members of the Transatlantic Policy Network on Religion and Diplomacy to the Centre’s headquarters in Vienna, the Centre’s Secretary General, Faisal Bin Muaammar, emphasized that “Diplomats play an essential role in bridging the gap between policymakers and religious leaders. This kind of leadership dialogue is essential for the success of sustainable solutions to complex challenges.”

The Deputy Secretary General of the International Dialogue Centre, Ambassador Alvaro Albacete, briefed the visitors about the Centre’s collaboration and partnerships with various organizations that have shared goals, including United Nations bodies like UNAOC, UNDP, UNESCO, and UNICEF, as well as other international and intergovernmental organizations such as the European Union and the African Union.

In his briefing for the members of the Transatlantic Policy Network on Religion and Diplomacy, the Centre’s Director General, Fahad Abualnasr, provided an update on the work of the Centre in the Arab region, in particular the recent establishment of the Interreligious Platform for Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation in the Arab World, which aims to bring together religious leaders and institutions with policy makers for sustainable change and solutions for peace in the region.

The visit was co-organized by Ms. Merete Bilde, Policy Advisor at the European External Action Service, and Professor Peter Mandaville of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University.

Azza Karam, Technical Advisor on Culture at the United Nations Population Fund and a member of the Transatlantic Policy Network on Religion and Diplomacy lauded the International Dialogue Centre’s progress in the five years since its founding: “KAICIID has grown remarkably in outreach, knowledge, tools and networking to support interreligious dialogue.”

The Transatlantic Policy Network on Religion and Diplomacy brings together diplomats to exchange experiences in enhancing religious literacy to increase diplomatic effectiveness. It discusses how diplomats and religious actors can better work together to advance their common mission in sustainably addressing global challenges.