Muslim Council Of Elders Hosts Seminar On Human Fraternity At Abu Dhabi Book Fair

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) 2024 is currently hosting an array of seminars and discussions, among which the "Global Models of Human Fraternity" seminar stands out, presented by notable figures Dr. Ouided Bouchamaoui, a 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Professor at New York University Abu Dhabi, alongside Dr. Noura Al-Karbi, Professor of Sociology and Head of the Community Relations Department for Scientific Research at the University of Sharjah. This event is part of the Muslim Council of Elders' Pavilion's efforts to foster dialogue and understanding across cultures and religions.

During the seminar, Dr. Bouchamaoui highlighted the pressing need for a new global generation that is socially and culturally open, capable of bearing responsibility, and committed to enhancing peacebuilding and tolerance. She commended the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its leadership and sponsorship of various initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, coexistence, and dialogue among different cultures and religions both locally and internationally.

Dr. Al-Karbi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that tolerance and human fraternity are essential for overcoming conflicts. She praised the UAE's role as a global leader in human fraternity, noting its development and support of over 20 programmes within Emirati society and 25 local and international initiatives. These efforts include significant milestones such as the signing of the Human Fraternity Document, the launch of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, the establishment of the Abrahamic Family House, and the adoption by the United Nations of the International Day of Human Fraternity. These initiatives have collectively contributed to a new cooperative framework for promoting peace and human fraternity worldwide.

Dr. Al-Karbi stressed the importance of global unity in efforts to promote tolerance and human fraternity for a future marked by peace and prosperity for all. The Muslim Council of Elders' participation in ADIBF 2024 is notable, with over 220 publications in five different languages available at their pavilion, including 22 new releases that address key intellectual issues. The pavilion also features a series of seminars on dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, youth, peacebuilding, and environmental concerns. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a corner dedicated to Arabic calligraphy and various entertainment activities designed for children. Located in Hall 10, Pavilion 10 C17 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the council's pavilion is a hub for cultural exchange and understanding.

This seminar underscores the UAE's commitment to fostering an environment where tolerance, coexistence, and dialogue are not just encouraged but actively promoted through meaningful initiatives. The efforts by Dr. Bouchamaoui, Dr. Al-Karbi, and the Muslim Council of Elders at ADIBF 2024 exemplify how intellectual discourse and cultural activities can contribute significantly to building bridges between diverse communities.

With inputs from WAM