The International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) and the United Nations University for Peace (UPEACE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which aims to contribute to peace and the advancement of the 2030 Agenda through knowledge dissemination.

The MoU signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the opening of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council held in Geneva, currently presided over by H.E. Ms. Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger, Permanent Representative of Austria to the UN.

Meeting at the Palace of Nations on February 24, KAICIID Deputy Secretary General Alvaro Albacete affirmed the Centre’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with UN agencies and contributing to educational resources in the field of conflict prevention and resolution. 

 “As the Centre works towards a stronger and more active presence in Geneva, the partnership between UPEACE and KAICIID is of strategic relevance. Through this MoU, we hope to enhance our cooperation with UPEACE and the broader UN system in the field of conflict prevention, with a particular focus on human rights, as well as the prevention of hate speech, which is a priority for KAICIID’s programming this year”, the KAICIID Deputy Secretary General said.

Through their programme of work, both UPEACE and KAICIID are dedicated to the promotion of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, particularly through the development of knowledge tools and resources.

UPEACE, which is a UN mandated university, offers Master’s and Doctoral programmes in peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

Over the past few years, KAICIID has greatly expanded its Dialogue Knowledge Hub (DKH), adding free online courses on conflict resolution and peace processes, which are designed to meet the needs of religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society organizations. The DKH also offers accredited courses for university students.

The partnership allows both organizations to collaborate further on knowledge development and sharing, targeted trainings and other learning initiatives.