Islam and Human Fraternity conference emphasises scholarly intercultural dialogue

Islam and Human Fraternity conference

The Islam and Human Fraternity conference emphasised the importance of the Document on Human Fraternity as a global reference for promoting tolerance and coexistence between religions and cultures, and called for its activation through practical programmes and initiatives at various levels.

In the closing statement issued on Tuesday evening, the conference stressed the importance of scholarly dialogue between different cultures and civilisations to promote human fraternity and achieve world peace, as well as the importance of the Document on Human Fraternity in promoting sustainable development and peace.

The participants in the conference, which was organised by the TRENDS Research and Advisory in cooperation and partnership with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and the University Platform for the Study of Islam "PLURIEL", over three days, under patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, considered that it contributed to breaking down the walls between research institutions in the Arab and Western worlds by providing a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas on important issues, such as human fraternity and peace.

The conference, which was held in conjunction with the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity and the International Day of Human Fraternity, and with the participation of 86 specialists and researchers from 40 universities and research institutions from 4 continents, addressed key topics related to human fraternity through 12 research seminars and 5 lectures that focused on the geopolitical challenges of the Document on Human Fraternity, the problem of understanding it, its relationship to minority rights, the origins and theological implications of human fraternity, and experiences and analyses in different national contexts, and the challenges of dialogue in the Document on Human Fraternity.

In its closing statement, the conference called for the development of a critical and pluralistic approach to evaluating the Document on Human Fraternity and emphasised the importance of Arab narratives in studies related to human fraternity. It stressed the need to identify the challenges facing human fraternity, such as the rise of extremist currents. The conference also called for the publication of the research papers presented in French, Arabic, and English, and for the continuation of work to promote the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity on the ground.

Dr. Mohamed Abdullah Al Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, praised the efforts of the participants in the conference, stressing the importance of continuing to work to achieve its message. He expressed his thanks and appreciation to Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak and to His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, His Eminence Cardinal Miguel Ayuso, the Muslim Council of Elders, and everyone who supported the conference.

Dr. Al Ali stated that the conference activities will not conclude today but will persist until the research papers presented are published in three editions: French at the Institute of Oriental Studies in France and Egypt, Arabic at TRENDS Centre, and English at Routledge Publishing House.

The scholars emphasised human fraternity, particularly in the context of Christian-Muslim relations. They highlighted the importance of rethinking theology in light of the Document on Human Fraternity and emphasised the role of religious texts in promoting human fraternity. Additionally, they discussed practical initiatives and legal efforts to promote the principles of human fraternity, such as promoting dialogue between different religious communities and enacting policies and legislation to ensure equal rights for all. The scholars' presentations underscored the significance of human fraternity in religious and social contexts.

The scholars discussed the reception of the Document on Human Fraternity in various national contexts, including Indonesia and Italy, and highlighted the societal reactions to the concept of human fraternity. They also examined the experiences of multicultural societies like Singapore and emphasised the role of interfaith dialogue in promoting stability and social cohesion. Additionally, they focused on the significance of the Document on Human Fraternity in fostering coexistence between different religious communities and promoting understanding and compassion among diverse cultures.

The scholars emphasised the influential role of prominent figures such as the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Pope Francis in promoting humanitarian positions and the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity. Additionally, they discussed the involvement of a Lebanese thinker in Islamic sciences in a subcommittee on Islam under the direction of the Vatican, highlighting his contributions to the documents of the Second Vatican Council.

On the sidelines of the conference, TRENDS Research and Advisory and the University Platform for the Study of Islam "PLURIEL" signed a research cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation between them in the field of foresight studies and sound research.

The agreement aims to exchange experiences, information and relevant documents, organise joint seminars, conferences and events, publish joint research and studies, encourage the exchange of researchers and experts between the two parties, and support joint research projects.