Nicolás Lerner’s Mission to Bridge Divides: The Story Behind "Al Encuentro del Otro"

On 29 September 2024, a transformative initiative took place in Montevideo, Uruguay. Young leaders from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds came together for an interreligious and intercultural gathering titled "Al Encuentro del Otro" or "Encountering the Other." Led by Nicolás Lerner, a 2024 KAICIID Fellow from Uruguay, the initiative is part of the KAICIID International Fellows Programme, which aims to empower young leaders to promote dialogue and combat prejudice worldwide.

Supported by Religions for Peace Latin America and the Caribbean, and endorsed by key Uruguayan institutions, the event saw representatives from various faiths and communities including the Judeo-Christian Brotherhood, the Bahá'í Community, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, and the Afroumbandist community engaging in open conversations about peaceful coexistence.

For Nicolás, this wasn’t just an event; it was the culmination of his passion for fostering connections in a world too often divided by prejudice and misunderstanding. Growing up in a society where cultural and religious diversity coexist but often in isolation, Nicolás felt compelled to create spaces for genuine, open conversations. His vision was clear: bring people from different walks of life together to listen to each other, challenge preconceptions, and build bridges of understanding.

Dialogue is a powerful tool," Nicolás shared in a recent interview. "When we take the time to encounter ‘the other,’ we break down the walls that keep us apart and replace them with connections that last.

The KAICIID Fellows Programme has been instrumental in empowering young leaders like Nicolás to implement initiatives that bridge divides and foster understanding. The programme, known for its global reach, has trained over 500 Fellows in interreligious and intercultural dialogue over 10 years. Since 2015, Fellows have designed and implemented over 500 impactful projects directly targeting over 400 000 people in over 95 countries, all united by the goal of promoting dialogue in regions affected by religious and cultural tensions.

Nicolás' initiative was declared of interest by Uruguay’s Ministry of Education and Culture and supported by the Human Rights Secretariat of the Presidency and the Honorary Commission against Racism, Xenophobia, and Discrimination. The project resonated with young leaders, religious communities, and civil society organizations in Uruguay, highlighting KAICIID's mission to address local issues through global cooperation.

It helped me to know and understand more about other religions and communities that I had not had contact with. I felt comfortable in an environment of trust and camaraderie. I learned that together we can contribute to a better world, free of prejudices. It was an experience enriching in every sense." – Baha’i participant, Uruguay

 

The impact of the event reached beyond the attendees. The initiative was covered by El Observador, a leading Uruguayan newspaper, which praised the effort for its role in advancing intercultural dialogue and peace in the country. As Nicolás continues to promote dialogue, his work demonstrates the power of KAICIID’s support in making real, on-the-ground change.

This initiative is a testament to the success of the KAICIID Fellows Programme, which has nurtured a global network of leaders committed to promoting peace through dialogue. By providing resources, mentorship, and platforms for collaboration, KAICIID has empowered Nicolás and countless others to lead initiatives that create lasting impacts in their communities.

While Nicolás credits KAICIID for helping him bring his vision to life, the heart of the story lies in his commitment to making a difference in his community. "Al Encuentro del Otro" is not just a one-time event but part of a broader movement Nicolás hopes to lead; one where young people take charge of creating a world where differences are celebrated, not feared. Nicolás’ work serves as a reminder that even in a world that sometimes feels divided, individuals have the power to bring others together, one conversation at a time. With this success, KAICIID reinforces its position as a global leader in fostering dialogue, understanding, and peaceful coexistence across the world.

It was confirmatory of the need for horizontal dialogue based on mutual respect. The meeting was a great surprise in itself. A true experience of sharing, challenging ourselves to transcend our prejudices to achieve a human and fruitful dialogue. On a personal level, the meeting confirmed for me the presence of a ‘Father’ with multiple denominations, of different ways of knowing Him, speaking to Him and, above all, that His love unites us above rites and forms. On that rock we can continue tracing the path forward. –  Catholic participant, Uruguay

To learn more about the KAICIID Fellows Programme and its impact, click here.