2024 Dialogue 360 Programme: 

Interreligious Platform for Dialogue and Cooperation in the Arab World

Given the complex circumstances facing the Arab region, dialogue initiatives promoting dialogue and cooperation among leaders and religious institutions are paramount to enhancing peace and stability. In this context, we are pleased at the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) to announce the launch of the 2024 Dialogue 360.

This edition was dedicated to supporting 25 initiatives contributing to enhancing dialogue and cooperation among leaders and religious institutions in the Arab region, with a focus on the challenges facing the region and how to address them effectively.

Enhancing Dialogue and Cooperation: The 2024 Dialogue 360 Projects aims to enhance dialogue and cooperation among diverse leaders and religious institutions in the Arab region. We believe that positive dialogue and constructive cooperation are optimal for building more tolerant and harmonious societies.

In the opening session of the programme's official launch, Dr. Zuhair Al-Harthi, the Secretary-General of KAICIID, highlighted the importance of the Centre's role considering the complex crises afflicting the Arab region, emphasizing the importance of enhancing peace and cooperation through dialogue and joint efforts, saying:

"In this critical period in the region, we recognize the importance of our role in promoting peace, and we believe that we can create real and sustainable change through cooperation and joint efforts. We need to build partnerships between all institutions working in dialogue, reconciliation, and development, develop strategies and approaches that promote a culture of dialogue and reconciliation, and establish a social space conducive to religious and cultural diversity. Your role as ambassadors of KAICIID in your local communities is of great importance, and we are proud of the dialogue projects that arise from our cooperation."

Confronting Contemporary Challenges: The Dialogue 360 Programme comes amid ongoing challenges facing the Arab region, including political and economic instability, as well as social, cultural, and climate challenges. We are committed to addressing these challenges by promoting a culture of dialogue and tolerance.

Wassim Haddad, senior Programme Manager for the Arab Region Programme at the Centre, emphasized the importance of the 2024 Dialogue 360 in enhancing dialogue and cooperation among diverse leaders and religious institutions in the Arab world. These projects carry a clear vision of working in the Arab region through networking, capacity building, supporting local initiatives, and addressing communities with diverse projects and initiatives.

He also noted the presence of a special programme for policymakers, aimed at engaging policymakers in supporting initiatives and developing policies that contribute to enhancing dialogue and cooperation among leaders and religious institutions in the Arab world.

For her part, Amel Jabran, Arab region Programme Officer, presented an overview of the programme and the community initiatives aimed at enhancing dialogue and coexistence in the Arab region. She stressed the importance of supporting local initiatives and involving policymakers in this work.

Programme Objectives:

1. Enhancing a culture of dialogue and tolerance among different regional sects and religions.
2. Supporting initiatives aimed at countering hate speech and promoting social peace.
3. Promoting common citizenship and enhancing social integration.
4. Protecting cultural heritage and religious sites in the region.

Approximately 75 participants, including representatives of religious institutions, civil society organizations, non-profit organizations, and former partners, attended the program launch activity. They represented the coordinating organizations of this year's supported initiatives.

The first session addressed the role of religious institutions and leaders in responding to crises and combating hate speech, as well as how to promote common citizenship and capacity development. It also focused on the importance of providing a common space for participating institutions and enhancing networking and cooperation opportunities.

In the final session, the role of policymakers in supporting initiatives and projects at the local, national, and regional levels was discussed, focusing on the need for cooperation to achieve the goals of dialogue and collaboration between cultures and religions in the region.

In conclusion: The fourth edition of the 2024 Dialogue 360 Programme witnessed a successful official launch. Participants exchanged experiences, and clear action plans were developed to enhance dialogue and cooperation in the Arab region. 

We believe that dialogue and cooperation are the only way to build a better future for the Arab region. Through the 2024 Dialogue 360 Programme, we seek to promote these values and achieve positive change in our communities.

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