Muslim Council Of Elders Champions Youth Empowerment For Global Peace
The Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, has placed a significant emphasis on youth empowerment and skill enhancement to address global challenges. Recognizing the pivotal role of young individuals in promoting peace and coexistence, the Council has initiated several programs aimed at nurturing the abilities of young people in these critical areas.
The Emerging Peacemakers Forum stands out as a key initiative by the Muslim Council of Elders. Launched in London in 2018 and organized in collaboration with Al-Azhar and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the forum made its second appearance in July 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland. This edition was held in partnership with the World Council of Churches and the Rose Castle Foundation, drawing 50 young participants from across the globe. The forum aims to serve as a dialogue platform for individuals aged 18 to 30, committed to developing innovative solutions for peace in communities.
In an effort to spread values of human fraternity, tolerance, and coexistence among youth, the Council launched the Global Student Dialogues on Human Fraternity programme in cooperation with Georgetown University. This initiative seeks to familiarize university students with human fraternity values and foster a global network for creative ideas that advance interreligious and intercultural solidarity. The programme's second phase took place in Abu Dhabi, engaging students and graduates from prestigious universities worldwide, representing eight countries and five faiths.
Supporting Youth Participation Across Domains
The Muslim Council of Elders has also prioritized enhancing youth participation in various events and initiatives. These include dialogue sessions at the Faith Pavilion during COP28, participation in international book fairs, and the inaugural Human Fraternity Majlis organized this year in cooperation with the Abrahamic Family House, the UAE's Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity. Additionally, initiatives such as the "Islam and the West: Diversity and Integration" conference and the International Day of Human Fraternity have been emphasized.
Innovative Solutions for Contemporary Challenges
In line with its commitment to youth empowerment, the Council initiated a Ramadan programme for 2023 and 2024 to highlight youth contributions to peacebuilding. It organized competitions encouraging innovative solutions for contemporary challenges, including climate issues. A global competition launched in conjunction with the Faith Pavilion at COP28 aimed at igniting innovation among youth to create impactful solutions addressing the climate crisis. This competition saw four projects winning from 50 entries across 11 countries globally.
The Muslim Council of Elders continues its dedication to supporting and empowering youth by promoting inspiring models and constructive ideas that foster peaceful coexistence between cultures and religions. Through these initiatives, the Council aims to empower young people to initiate peace-building projects and disseminate principles of tolerance and human fraternity, marking a significant step towards nurturing a more peaceful future.
With inputs from WAM
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