KAICIID is the Newest Partner of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers

On 30 August 2015, the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), based in Vienna, became the newest member of the Core Group of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, joining Religions for Peace, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Finn Church Aid (FCA). The Network Core group regularly consults with the UN Mediation Support Unit, in the UN Department of Political Affairs and the UN Alliance of Civilizations.

The Network is composed of diverse and active individuals and organizations—from grassroots religious and traditional peacemaking organizations to international NGOs, intergovernmental organizations and academic institutions.  They work together to strengthen and support the positive role of religious and traditional peacemakers in peacebuilding processes, from the local to the international level. KAICIID joins this Network as an important partner and is working with it on a number of important initiatives.

KAICIID Director General Fahad Abualnasr welcomed the partnership: “There are hundreds of organisations working to build peace around the world, and many religious leaders from different religious traditions who are promoting peace in their communities and globally. At the same time, peacebuilding is of keen interest to intergovernmental organisations and governments. There is a gap between all these groups: a gap of communication, knowledge-sharing and information-sharing. The Network bridges this gap, bringing global knowledge and expertise to local peacemaking efforts, and transferring the local knowledge of religious leaders to the policy level. We are proud to join this effort.”

Antti Pentikäinen, Executive Director and Convenor of the Network, said: “KAICIID brings necessary knowledge and contacts to the Network. We need the dialogue window that KAICIID is able to provide for the Network, for instance, with religious leaders in Europe and the Middle East on coexistence. KAICIID is also accompanying the Network in several conflict zones advancing local peace infrastructure ownership in mediation and dialogue.”

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Antti Pentikäinen, Executive Director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers introduces Network members to KAICIID and its work in peacebuilding and interreligious dialogue at KAICIID HQ. This introductory session kicked off the 4th Advisory Group Meeting from 29-30 in Vienna.

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Network members reconnect at KAICIID HQ for a weekend of networking and discussion of their experiences and ongoing peacebuilding efforts.

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Network members brought their experience from all over the world including the Central African Republic, Nigeria, Kenya, Myanmar and many others. They discussed lessons learned, research and capacity needs and IRD methods gleaned from their first-hand experience. 

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The Network is composed of effective peacemakers—from grassroots religious and traditional peacemakers to international NGOs, intergovernmental organizations and academic institutes. They work together to strengthen and support the positive role of religious and traditional peacemakers in peace and peacebuilding processes from the local to the international level.

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Network members brought their experience from all over the world including the Central African Republic, Nigeria, Kenya, Myanmar and many others. They discussed lessons learned, IRD methods gleaned from their first-hand experience. 

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The Network of Religious and Traditional Peacemakers convened for the 4th Advisory Group Meeting 29-30 August in Vienna.

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Network members discuss youth engagement and the role of religious institutions in conflict prevention in Africa. 

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Following their experience at the Network meeting, the members will bring lessons learned from their peers to further strengthen their respective networks and peacebuilding initatives.