In a meeting at the headquarters of the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier and KAICIID Secretary General Faisal Bin Muaammar renewed their discussion on promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue to build peace and security in the region. The Secretaries General had conferred on this topic last May at the OSCE Security Days 2015 in Vienna that  explored the root causes of extremism and radicalization, as well as possible measures and actions to counter extremism and radicalization that lead to violence, and at the Union of the Mediterranean’s high-level meeting on intercultural and interreligious dialogue in Barcelona.

During his visit to the Centre’s headquarters in Vienna, Secretary General Zannier stated that “today, interreligious and intercultural dialogue is needed more than ever before. It is the necessary basis for effective integration and can be a powerful tool to counter violent radicalization. KAICIID is a key player in this field and we look forward to joining forces.”

Secretary General Bin Muaammar noted that  as a sister international organization, “the OSCE’s mission to foster cooperation among nations is of vital importance at this time. KAICIID stands ready to support the effort by promoting dialogue in partnership with international organisations, such as the OSCE.”

In their meeting, the Secretaries General highlighted the complementarity of both organisations in preventing conflict through dialogue and agreed to convene a joint working group to explore the immediate steps to be taken together.

About the OSCE

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human rights aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

About the International Dialogue Centre

The International Dialogue Centre is an intergovernmental organization that promotes dialogue among policymakers and religious leaders to build peace, to enhance understanding and to foster cooperation between people of different cultures and followers of different religions. The Centre’s activities in interreligious dialogue bridge animosities, reduce stereotyping, and instill mutual respect between religious communities.  The Council of Parties includes Austria, Saudi Arabia, and Spain. The Holy See is the Founding Observer. Prominent representatives from five major world religions make up the nine-member Board of Directors. The Board designs and supervises the Centre’s programs.