The International Dialogue Centre - KAICIID and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) today formalized a renewed strategic collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This renewed agreement underscores the shared commitment of both institutions to jointly tackle Nigeria’s peace and security challenges through inclusive dialogue and transformative policy engagement.

The MoU was signed during a virtual ceremony led by KAICIID’s Acting Secretary General, Ambassador António de Almeida Ribeiro, and IPCR’s Director General, Dr. Joseph Peter Ochogwu.

Since their first engagement in 2016, KAICIID and IPCR have jointly undertaken critical initiatives including the establishment of the Interreligious Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP), which brings together over 120 religious leaders to and of the Network of Policymakers and Religious Leaders (NPMRL) in 2021 which promotes sustainable peace and security through dialogue and policy engagement. The network has actively facilitated dialogue among influential policymakers and religious leaders to address and mitigate ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria.

Amb. António de Almeida Ribeiro echoed the significance of the renewed partnership, stating, “This MoU represents more than an agreement, it signifies a reinforced joint effort to bridge policy actors and religious leaders. Such collaboration is essential in navigating and resolving emerging peace and security challenges through dialogue.”

Dr. Ochogwu further noting that, “The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is not just a formality, but a reaffirmation of our shared vision to build a society where peace is sustained through inclusive dialogue, mutual understanding, and collective responsibility.”

The new agreement outlines enhanced cooperation to strengthen dialogue between policymakers and religious leaders on inclusive public policies that promote peaceful coexistence. This will be achieved through capacity-building programmes, joint research initiatives, and collaborative policy development projects aimed at mainstreaming interreligious dialogue within national peacebuilding efforts. These strategic initiatives will address pressing societal challenges through key priority areas centered on interreligious and intercultural dialogue for peace such as the protection of sacred sites, prevention and countering of hate speech, and the advancement of religious literacy to foster a more peaceful and cohesive Nigeria

KAICIID and IPCR remain dedicated to this collaborative journey, leveraging their combined expertise and influence to create sustainable peace and robust interreligious dialogue in Nigeria and beyond.

For further information, please contact:

KAICIID Media 
Email: press@kaiciid.org

IPCR Communications
Email: info@ipcr.gov.ng