The KAICIID-supported Interreligious Platform for Dialogue and Cooperation in the Arab Region (IPDC) issued a statement calling for multireligious and multicultural collaboration in regional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The IPDC urges all individuals, leaders and various religious institutions in the Arab region to play their pivotal role in spreading the values ​​of collaboration, brotherhood/sisterhood, and solidarity in their societies, stressing the importance of the people of the region to stand shoulder to shoulder regardless of their different religious, cultural and ethnic affiliations, to overcome this critical period beyond any disagreements,” the statement said.

The platform expressed its determination to tackle the crisis and mitigate its effects on the Arab communities by working with religious leaders, religious institutions, policymakers, civil society organizations and dialogue practitioners. In particular, its members will raise awareness about the severity of the virus and encourage citizens to adhere to preventive measures taken by governments.

The IPDC also urged citizens to “enhance human solidarity by helping those most in need, especially the most vulnerable and poor people, while taking preventive measures and adhering to self-protection instructions”.

About the IPDC

The Interreligious Platform for Dialogue and Cooperation in the Arab World (IPDC), a unique platform in the region, was launched in February 2018 at the initiative of the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID). Driven by the foundations of common citizenship, the IPDC is designed to bring together individuals, religious leaders, religious institutions and dialogue practitioners in the region to work in cooperation with KAICIID to promote a culture of dialogue, coexistence and enhanced social cohesion.