Bologna: Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) took part in the G20 Interfaith Forum, hosted by the Italian city of Bologna over three days, and concluded today.
The DICID was represented at the Forum by its Chairman H E Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, along with high-ranking representatives of countries and civil society organisations and religious leaders from various world countries.
Held under the theme ‘Peace among Cultures, Understanding between Religions, the Forum discussed a number of pressing issues, including the role of religion in overcoming the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; the urgent relief for those affected by the pandemic, especially in poor countries; issues of poverty and inequality, ways to build peace and counter racism and corruption; as well as the issues of education; religious freedom; immigration and asylum; women’s rights and human trafficking.
DICID Chairman Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi presented a working paper in the Forum entitled ‘Dialogue from the Perspective of Religions’, highlighting the influential role of religion in facing the crises the world is going through, the most prominent of which was the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, which led to a sudden shift in the world’s priorities.
He also referred to the increasing spread of hate speech, intolerance, racism, nationalism and religious extremism globally, saying that these challenges have collectively impeded progress towards international cooperation to achieve the sustainable development goals.
Al Nuaimi touched on the role of religious leaders, scholars and preachers in reviving religious teachings and values, not only through worship and beliefs, but also through practices, dealings with others and mutual respect.
He stressed the importance of young people’s participation in activating dialogue, involving them, and supporting them to reach platforms and institutions that can bring about positive change in relations between followers of different religions; given the enormous potential that young people enjoy today that are different from the previous generations.
