ADIBF 2024 Hosts Seminar On Youth Empowerment By Muslim Council Of Elders

The Muslim Council of Elders recently held a seminar titled "Youth in the Journey of the Muslim Council of Elders" at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024, showcasing the impactful narratives of young leaders who have emerged from the council's Emerging Peacemakers Forum. This initiative, aimed at empowering youth to play a significant role in peacebuilding and fostering coexistence, has seen participants like Meera Al Mheiri, Yara Ahmed, Khalifa Khalid, and Meera Almazrouei sharing their experiences and contributions towards promoting tolerance and human fraternity.

At the seminar's outset, these graduates underscored the council's efforts in leveraging the influence of religious leaders and community segments to tackle global challenges, with a special focus on youth. Their training through the Emerging Peacemakers Forum has equipped them with the necessary skills to engage in peacebuilding activities and embrace diversity, thereby enhancing their ability to interact positively with various communities worldwide.

Khalifa Khalid reflected on the sustained collaboration among forum alumni, emphasizing their ongoing projects aimed at nurturing peace and tolerance across several countries, including the US, the UK, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and the UAE. This network of young peacemakers continues to expand the forum's mission beyond its temporal boundaries.

Meera Al Mheiri highlighted the council's broader vision of not just involving youth in its initiatives but also ensuring their development as ambassadors of peace on global stages. She commended the council for its dedication to listening to and incorporating young people's ideas into its youth-focused programs, thereby contributing significantly to societal betterment.

The inception of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum back in 2018 in London marked a collaborative effort between the Muslim Council of Elders, Al-Azhar, and the Church of England. Its subsequent edition in July 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, furthered this collaboration with entities like the World Council of Churches and the Rose Castle Foundation. Each forum iteration welcomed 50 participants from around the globe, underlining the council's commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive platform for dialogue and peacebuilding.

This seminar at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024 not only showcased the tangible outcomes of such initiatives but also reinforced the vital role of youth in driving forward the values of tolerance and coexistence. Through forums like these and the active engagement of young leaders, the Muslim Council of Elders continues to make significant strides towards a more peaceful and understanding world.

With inputs from WAM