The International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) is poised to host a landmark Global Dialogue Forum in the city of Lisbon, Portugal, on May 15-16, 2024. This event, held under the motto “Transformative Dialogue: Building Alliances for Peace in a Rapidly Changing World,” marks a new chapter in KAICIID's over-a-decade-long history of promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue as a catalyst for global change and peacebuilding.

Taking place in Lisbon’s modern and vibrant landscape, the KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum aims to harness the transformative potential of dialogue, exploring its effectiveness in advancing human rights, enhancing social cohesion, promoting reconciliation, and facilitating environmental cooperation. It also strengthens the Centre’s key mission to address and mitigate the world's most pressing challenges through inclusive, dialogical tools and approaches.

The Imperative for Transformative Dialogue in a Polarised World

In today's rapidly evolving and oftentimes divided world, the call for meaningful dialogue with deep transformative potential has grown to be more urgent than ever. Rising conflicts, growing societal divides, and dwindling trust in once-revered institutions highlight the critical need for global platforms that convene top decision-makers, civil society, and policymakers, enabling open and productive exchanges across diverse viewpoints.

The KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum seeks to address these pressing global challenges by leveraging the unique knowledge and influence of a diverse array of religious and spiritual wisdom traditions. When brought together, these traditions can offer profound insights and holistic solutions for the myriad issues confronting our societies, helping build alliances for sustainable, long-term peace.

Embracing Transformative Dialogue

The KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum represents a concerted effort to harness the potential of dialogue as a transformative force capable of bridging divides and building consensus among groups with diverse backgrounds. The event is designed to be a melting pot of ideas, where influential leaders from various sectors, both from the secular and the religious communities, converge to explore Transformative Dialogue's role as a powerful instrument for change.

By bringing the global decision-makers, faith actors, and sector leaders together, KAICIID is poised to foster a safe space and a collaborative platform for generating innovative solutions to pressing global issues, leveraging the collective wisdom and experience of its participants.

Key Themes and Discussions

The KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum’s discussions will pivot around several critical themes, notably the role of Transformative Dialogue in building trust, fostering inclusive urban environments, and embracing the concept of sacred ecology in environmental conservation. These thematic priorities are strategically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing KAICIID’s dedication to supporting the Agenda 2030 objectives through dialogue-driven initiatives.

In particular, the Forum will delve into the mechanisms through which Transformative Dialogue can strengthen societal bonds in times of conflict and crisis, examining the capacity of interfaith and intercultural exchanges to support the peace process and facilitate reconciliation in post-conflict settings.

Another key theme celebrated by the Forum is the concept of Human Dignity, lies at the heart of KAICIID's mission and mandate "to address the contemporary challenges to society, such as the dignity of human life." Referring to the essential value of every person regardless of their background, status, citizenship or belief, Human Dignity is at the core of human rights, including the right to practice, express and live one’s religious and spiritual beliefs, as well as connection to the natural world. The recognition of Human Dignity serves as the foundation of mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation, which serve as catalysts for Transformative Dialogue.

A Global Commitment to Transformative Dialogue

As KAICIID prepares to convene this landmark Forum in May, anticipation grows for what promises to be a transformative event in the field of international interreligious and intercultural dialogue. By bringing together a diverse group of top global leaders and strategists, the KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum aims to set a pioneering platform for how Transformative Dialogue can be employed to forge a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. Through focused discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and the exchange of innovative ideas, the KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum promises to catalyse meaningful action and enduring change across the globe.