Ethiopian President Taye Atski Selassie Praises UAE's Commitment To Tolerance And Peace Initiatives

The inaugural International Conference on Interfaith Dialogue took place in Addis Ababa, organised by Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities. Ethiopian President Taye Atski Selassie praised the UAE's efforts in promoting tolerance, citizenship, and global peace. The event, held on November 4-5, 2024, aimed to foster open dialogue on interfaith understanding and support comprehensive citizenship.

During the conference's opening day, Selassie commended the UAE's initiatives in advancing interfaith dialogue and cultural communication globally. He expressed gratitude to Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities for its contributions to cultural and scientific projects in Ethiopia. The summit gathered ministers, ambassadors, and religious leaders to discuss enhancing coexistence and cooperation among different cultures.

Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of the university, highlighted that the conference aligns with the UAE's strategic goals. He emphasised its role as a platform for encouraging interfaith dialogue and national unity. The themes of tolerance, coexistence, and peace were central to the discussions, reflecting the university's vision and initiatives.

A significant outcome of the conference was the signing of a cooperation agreement between Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities and the Ethiopian Ministry of Peace. This agreement underscores their commitment to enhancing scientific collaboration with Ethiopia and supporting initiatives that promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the region.

The conference also marked the launch of the Addis Ababa Document for Tolerance, Citizenship, and Peace. Religious leaders participated in this initiative seen as a covenant of peace and tolerance. The document is viewed as a crucial step towards national integration and moral solidarity while respecting religious pluralism.

This landmark document is considered an essential pillar for interfaith understanding. It aims to build bridges for open dialogue and communication among different faiths. Ethiopia presents this achievement as a contribution to global peace efforts.

Educational Initiatives

Throughout the two-day event, various activities were organised for university students alongside an exhibition showcasing projects related to coexistence by ministries from Asia, Africa, and Europe. These initiatives highlight international interest in tolerance values while reinforcing efforts to build scientific and cultural communication bridges.

Dr. Karima Al Mazrouei delivered a presentation titled "The UAE’s Strategic Model in Building Peace and Tolerance." She explained how education plays a vital role in promoting coexistence locally and internationally. Al Mazrouei urged participating countries to adopt similar strategies using education as a tool for mutual understanding.

The conference concluded with optimism about future collaborations between nations committed to fostering peace through dialogue across diverse communities worldwide.

With inputs from WAM