The Muslim Council of Elders, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, calls upon the world to work towards elevating the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence in response to extremist, hateful, biased, and discriminatory discourses. The council affirms its support for sincere efforts aimed at promoting peace, coexistence, and addressing the wars, conflicts, and humanitarian crises plaguing our world today.

In a statement on the International Day for Tolerance, observed on the 16th of November every year, the council emphasizes that tolerance is a fundamental and necessary value advocated by all religions, traditions, human customs, and international covenants. It underscores the urgent need, especially in our current world, to reinforce the values of tolerance and coexistence, given the escalating pace of wars, conflicts, and crises, which pose a significant challenge to sincere efforts in promoting the values of dialogue and coexistence.

The statement adds that as we celebrate the International Day for Tolerance, it is essential for the world to recognize that enhancing tolerance and coexistence is an ongoing endeavor, requiring continuous efforts to pave the way for building a future that is more secure, just, peaceful, and equitable for current and future generations. Therefore, the council calls upon individuals, communities, and governments to strengthen dialogue, respect diversity, disseminate the values of tolerance, coexistence, and humanitarian principles, and build bridges of understanding.

The Muslim Council of Elders is committed to significant efforts to promote the values of tolerance and coexistence among all people, regardless of their differences. This commitment aligns with the Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The document urged world leaders and policymakers as well to earnestly work towards spreading a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and peace, calling for immediate intervention to stop the flow of innocent blood and address current world issues, including wars, conflicts, climate deterioration, and cultural and ethical decline.