On December 4th, 2024, a pivotal moment for the KAICIID Fellows Programme unfolded as the latest class of visionary leaders graduates. These inspiring individuals, representing diverse communities from across the globe, are united by a shared commitment to creating a more peaceful and inclusive world. As they cross the stage, their stories of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to dialogue and peacebuilding will take center stage.
Transformative Training for a New Generation of Dialogue Practitioners
The 2024 KAICIID Fellows Programme provided a comprehensive, three-stage training approach designed to empower Fellows with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue (IRD and ICD) in their communities. The first phase, held in San José, Costa Rica, introduced Fellows to the foundational principles and goals of IRD and ICD. With an emphasis on religious literacy, participants engaged with diverse belief systems and cultural contexts through visits to places of worship, such as mosques, synagogues, and churches. These interactions deepened their understanding of Costa Rica's unique interreligious landscape while equipping them to build inclusive and respectful spaces for dialogue.
The second phase of training focused on designing effective IRD programs. Fellows traveled to São Paulo, Brazil, and Bangkok, Thailand, where they learned to structure initiatives tailored to their target audiences. They visited institutions like Casa da Reconciliação and the Mesquita Brazil in São Paulo, as well as religious landmarks in Bangkok, including Wat Saket Temple and Bang Luang Mosque. These immersive experiences allowed Fellows to contextualize their learning while honing skills in stakeholder engagement, program development, and evaluation. The final training, hosted in Lisbon, Portugal, emphasized sustainability and the long-term impact of dialogue initiatives. Fellows shared insights from their projects, received feedback on short-term outcomes, and developed adaptive strategies to ensure their initiatives could evolve alongside the changing needs of their communities.
The Class of 2024: A Diverse and Dynamic Group Driving Local Impact
This year’s Fellows, drawn from 29 countries and representing a multitude of religious and cultural backgrounds, embodied the rich diversity that underpins the KAICIID Fellows Programme. Divided into two cohorts; International and Latin America & the Caribbean, they brought unique perspectives and challenges to the training sessions. By incorporating localized strategies and partnerships, such as collaborating with Afro-Brazilian religious leaders in São Paulo and engaging with Costa Rica's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the programme ensured Fellows could address regional needs effectively.
A hybrid training model, blending virtual and in-person sessions, enabled consistent interaction between Fellows and trainers, fostering a collaborative environment despite geographical barriers. The focus on stakeholder engagement was particularly impactful, with Fellows meeting key figures, such as policymakers and religious leaders, to discuss the broader implications of their initiatives. Through this tailored approach, the 2024 Fellows not only gained theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills and networks needed to enact meaningful change in their respective contexts.
The 2024 class is one of the most diverse yet, with fellows hailing from regions marked by social, cultural, and political challenges. This year, the programme proudly celebrates leaders from historically marginalized communities, whose work is reshaping their societies. One of the highlights is Elder Wendy Phillips, a renowned peacebuilder, who has dedicated her efforts to bridging divides and fostering unity in her community.
Wendy’s story, alongside those of her fellow graduates, demonstrates the resilience of individuals who not only strive to bring change but are committed to embedding the values of peace and dialogue into the very fabric of their communities.
A Year of Empowerment and Growth
KAICIID Fellows don’t just leave the programme with a certificate, they leave equipped with tools, skills, and networks that amplify their ability to lead change. Throughout their year, the fellows have benefited from world-class training, mentoring from experts in the field of dialogue and peacebuilding, and direct engagement with international organisations, governments, and faith leaders.
The programme’s impact has been far-reaching. From grassroots initiatives that have reached hundreds of individuals to high-level dialogues that have influenced policy decisions, the fellows’ work demonstrates the ripple effect that can occur when passionate individuals are empowered with the right resources and support.
Voices of Change: From the Fellows to the World
One of the central tenets of the Fellows Programme is to amplify the voices of those who are often underrepresented in global conversations about peace and conflict resolution. The graduates of 2024 have taken this responsibility to heart, using their newfound platforms to speak for those who have been silenced by violence, discrimination, or injustice.
Their stories are powerful, not just for their successes but for the struggles and challenges they have overcome. Their motivations stem from deeply personal experiences, whether from growing up in conflict zones, witnessing the effects of religious intolerance, or having experienced firsthand the consequences of division and hatred. These experiences have shaped their determination to pursue a future where dialogue and understanding triumph over fear and misunderstanding.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Fellows?
As the 2024 cohort graduates, they are already taking the next steps in their journeys as global leaders. Many have already launched or expanded projects that address pressing issues in their communities, such as fostering interfaith dialogue in conflict zones, advocating for minority rights, and providing platforms for youth voices in peacebuilding efforts.
The fellows are also prepared to continue their relationship with KAICIID, receiving ongoing support as they implement their initiatives and contribute to the global network of peacebuilders.
A Call to Action
The graduation ceremony on December 4th will not only be a celebration of the fellows’ achievements but also a call to action. As they step into the world as graduates, the fellows bring with them a collective vision for a world where dialogue is prioritized over division, understanding over intolerance, and peace over conflict.
KAICIID is proud to support these extraordinary individuals, whose leadership and passion are already making a difference. Their graduation is not an end, but a beginning, a beginning of a lifelong commitment to building bridges of understanding and sowing the seeds of peace.
Stay tuned for the inspiring stories of this year’s fellows, whose journeys and achievements will continue to inspire us all.
