In a bid to amplify its global presence and further its mission of promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue, KAICIID’s Secretary General, H.E. Dr. Zuhair Alharthi, embarked on an official outreach mission to New York during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-level week, held between 23-28 September 2024. This mission is part of KAICIID’s ongoing efforts to expand its membership within the Council of Parties and seek United Nations Observer Status at the UN General Assembly, a key strategic move to secure a stronger foothold on the global stage.
H.E.’s presence in New York during the High-level week of UNGA comes at a pivotal moment, as the UN adopted its groundbreaking Pact for the Future , which was solidified during the Summit of the Future. This historic agreement aims to advance frameworks such as the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 2030 Agenda, and the Paris Agreement, with new initiatives like the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. These developments mark a significant step in the UN’s commitment to shaping a more sustainable and just future, aligning with KAICIID's vision of fostering peace through dialogue.
Against this background, KAICIID co-sponsored a special event at the Summit of the Future under the theme: “Reflections on the Interreligious Imperative for the Pact for the Future and a Multilateralism based on Human Fraternity” on Monday, 23 September in New York. The event was organized by the Trilateral Partnership of Regional Faith-based Networks for the SDGs, and in partnership with Religions for Peace, Arigatou International and World Vision.
As part of his outreach mission, Dr. Alharthi participated in the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Group of Friends High-level Meeting, where KAICIID has held an active role since 2019. During the meeting, H.E. commended the UNAOC’s efforts in promoting intercultural and inter-civilizational dialogue, praising the leadership of H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General, and the steadfast commitment of its supporters. The meeting also provided a platform for the presentation of UNAOC’s Plan of Action for 2024-2026, alongside discussions about the upcoming 10th UNAOC Global Forum, set to take place in Cascais, Portugal, in November 2024. On the margins of the event, H.E. the SG engaged in discussions with representatives of international organizations and permanent missions. These interactions focused on enhancing high-level and programmatic relations, renewing, or establishing new formal cooperation agreements with the UN system.
KAICIID also actively participated in two significant side events during the UNGA week, further showcasing its leadership in faith-based dialogue and its commitment to global issues.
On 25 September, KAICIID attended the side event titled "Faith, Ethics & AI: Shaping a Future for Global Peace," organized by the Multi-Faith Advisory Council to the UN Interagency Taskforce on Religion and Sustainable Development. The event explored the intersection of artificial intelligence and religion, emphasizing the need for multi-stakeholder approaches in the development of ethical frameworks for AI. High-profile speakers, including Mr. Zeshan Zafar, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, highlighted the ongoing global efforts to ensure that technological advancements serve the cause of peace, as showcased by the Vatican’s Renaissance Foundation and the Abrahamic Religions’ Rome Call for AI Ethics.
The following day, KAICIID attended the "Faith in Restoration: Aligning Faith Action and Advocacy Across the Rio Conventions" event, hosted by a coalition of faith-based organizations and international bodies, including the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the G20 Global Land Initiative. The event aimed to strategize on mainstreaming faith-based action in land and ecosystem restoration, in preparation for the upcoming UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh later this year.
These events not only provided rich discussions on critical global issues but also offered networking opportunities that facilitated KAICIID’s deeper engagement with various stakeholders, including the Multi-Faith Advisory Council. H.E.’s mission successfully laid the groundwork for strengthening KAICIID’s role within the UN system and fostering new partnerships that will be instrumental in advancing the Centre’s objectives in the years to come. By engaging at the highest levels of global dialogue, KAICIID continues to position itself as a key player in fostering peace and collaboration across cultures, religions, and regions.