In a landmark meeting today, the Secretary General of the International Dialogue Centre - KAICIID, H.E. Dr. Zuhair Alharthi, formally extended an invitation to H.E. Dr. Paulo Rangel, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, for the Portuguese Republic to apply for full membership in KAICIID’s Council of Parties (CoP). The invitation comes as part of KAICIID’s broader strategic vision to strengthen its governance by expanding the CoP. Enlargement is vital to the Centre as it aims to bring greater diversity and inclusivity to its decision-making body, which currently includes Saudi Arabia, Spain, Austria and the Holy See as an observer. The addition of Portugal would mark a significant milestone, enhancing the CoP’s capacity to represent a broader spectrum of cultural, religious, and geographic perspectives.
The meeting, held at Palácio das Necessidades, marks another milestone in the deepening relationship between KAICIID and Portugal, which has been the host country of the Centre since its relocation to Lisbon in 2022. Accompanied by the Centre’s Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador António de Almeida Ribeiro, Dr. Alharthi emphasized the importance of Portugal’s potential membership, noting that it would bring invaluable perspectives and further enhance the Centre’s ability to address global challenges through dialogue and cooperation.
Portugal’s Growing Role in Global Dialogue
Portugal has emerged as a central hub for diplomacy and dialogue, hosting numerous international organizations and initiatives. The invitation to the CoP also comes at a time when the nation is solidifying its position as a global hub for intercultural and interreligious dialogue. Earlier this year, Lisbon hosted the KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum, which brought together world leaders, policymakers, and interfaith advocates to explore solutions for global peace and understanding. The event highlighted Portugal’s commitment to multilateral dialogue and collaboration, serving as a testament to its leadership in the international arena.
Looking ahead, Portugal will once again take centre stage as the host of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Forum, scheduled for next week. This prestigious event will gather global leaders, diplomats, and civil society representatives to discuss shared challenges and foster collaboration. As a member of the UNAOC Group of Friends, KAICIID will actively participate in the forum, with the Secretary General slated to deliver a keynote address.
A Strategic Step for KAICIID’s Mission
Inviting Portugal to join the CoP is part of KAICIID’s broader strategy to strengthen its governance by welcoming new member states. Expanding the CoP ensures that the Centre’s decision-making reflects a wider range of cultural, religious, and geographic perspectives. This inclusivity enhances KAICIID’s credibility and effectiveness in addressing pressing global issues through interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
This invitation also aligns with KAICIID’s efforts to secure observer status at the United Nations, which would further solidify its role as a key player in fostering peace and understanding on a global scale. Portugal’s membership in the CoP would provide an important boost to these efforts, bringing additional legitimacy and representation to the Centre’s governance structure.
KAICIID’s Unique Structure: Bridging Governance and Interfaith Collaboration
KAICIID stands out as the only intergovernmental organization with a governance model that integrates religious and cultural diversity at its core. This dual governance structure comprising the Council of Parties and the Board of Directors, ensures that the Centre’s operations and initiatives reflect both governmental oversight and interreligious cooperation.
The Council of Parties (CoP), made up of the Founding States; the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Austria, and the Kingdom of Spain, provides the overarching governance of KAICIID. The Holy See participates as a Founding Observer, bringing a unique moral and spiritual perspective to the Centre's work. Meeting at least once annually, the CoP holds pivotal responsibilities, including electing the Board of Directors, appointing the Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General, approving the Centre’s financial framework, and determining membership expansions. These functions enable the CoP to shape KAICIID’s strategic direction and uphold its mandate.
Complementing this governmental body is KAICIID’s Board of Directors, an exceptional assembly of high-level representatives from major world religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Tasked with advising on and overseeing the Centre’s initiatives, the Board exemplifies interreligious collaboration at the highest levels. Together, these leaders provide a wealth of knowledge and perspectives, ensuring that KAICIID’s dialogue-driven efforts are inclusive and globally representative.
Adding another layer to this unique framework is the Advisory Forum, a diverse body of up to 100 members from various faith traditions, cultural institutions, and international organizations. The Advisory Forum serves as a dynamic resource, offering a wide array of interreligious and intercultural insights to guide KAICIID’s programs and initiatives.
By blending governmental oversight with a multi-religious board and advisory structure, KAICIID exemplifies how intergovernmental organizations can innovate for inclusivity and impact. This governance model not only ensures accountability but also creates a powerful platform for fostering peace and understanding across religious and cultural boundaries.