ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopian President Taye Atski Selassie praised the UAE’s initiatives on fostering tolerance, citizenship, and global peace at the inaugural edition of the International Conference on Interfaith Dialogue in Addis Ababa, organized by Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities.
According to Emirates News Agency, the first-of-its-kind summit, held in cooperation with the Ethiopian Ministry of Peace and the Interfaith Council, took place on November 4-5, 2024. It gathered ministers, ambassadors, and important leaders from different religions. The conference aims to provide a platform for open dialogue on enhancing interfaith understanding, spreading the values of tolerance and peace, and supporting comprehensive citizenship, in line with the UAE’s experience in consolidating coexistence and building bridges of cooperation between different cultures.
Selassie’s statement was made on the opening day of the conference, where he also lauded the UAE’s efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue and uphold
ing the values of tolerance and coexistence, as well as its interest in building bridges of cultural communication in the international community. He extended thanks and appreciation to the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities for its efforts in supporting cultural and scientific projects in Ethiopia.
Other highlights of the opening day included a speech by Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of the university, in which he stressed that the conference’s themes were consistent with the strategic directions of the UAE, and with the vision and initiatives of the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities in promoting tolerance, coexistence, and peace. He emphasized that the conference represents an important platform for promoting interfaith dialogue, encouraging peaceful coexistence and national unity, and consolidating the values of tolerance, citizenship, and peace globally.
The session concluded with the signing of a cooperation agreement between Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities and the E
thiopian Ministry of Peace. The agreement affirms the university’s commitment to enhancing scientific cooperation with Ethiopia and supporting initiatives that contribute to promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the region.
The conference also witnessed the announcement of the launch of the Addis Ababa Document for Tolerance, Citizenship, and Peace with the participation of religious leaders, viewed as a covenant of peace and tolerance. The landmark document is considered a significant step towards achieving true solidarity, enhancing national integration as well as moral and human solidarity as a fundamental foundation of religious dialogue, respect for beliefs and religious pluralism, and the promotion of the concept of citizenship.
Furthermore, the document is perceived as an essential pillar in interfaith understanding and building bridges for open dialogue and communication. The declaration marks a new historical and civilizational achievement that Ethiopia is presenting to the global communi
ty.
During the two-day conference, a range of activities was organized for university students, including an accompanying exhibition that highlighted projects and initiatives related to coexistence and tolerance by ministries, institutions, and organizations from Asia, Africa, and Europe. This reflects international interest in the values of tolerance and coexistence and reinforces the university’s commitment to building bridges of scientific and cultural communication among peoples.
Dr. Karima Al Mazrouei, Advisor to the Chancellor, delivered a presentation on ‘The UAE’s Strategic Model in Building Peace and Tolerance,’ explaining the UAE’s approach and strategy in promoting the values of coexistence and peace at local and international levels. Al Mazrouei called on participating countries to adopt a similar strategy and leverage education and cultural communication as effective tools for achieving mutual understanding and respect, noting that the UAE considers these values integral to its renaissance and
progress.
