During his speech ‘Global Civilization and Human Fraternity’ - Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders: The Document on Human Fraternity has created a state of global momentum which inspires dialogue and coexistence

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam has affirmed that the world today is in urgent need of enhancing the values of human fraternity in our lives, communities, and in the building of our nations and peoples. The seeds of human fraternity which were planted by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, are now bearing fruit through this global celebration of the Document on Human Fraternity.

The Secretary-General stated during a panel discussion organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Senegal in the Vatican, "The historical document, co-signed by the Grand Imam and His Holiness Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi on the fourth of February, 2019 has become a source of inspiration for the world, for many nations, individuals, groups, and institutions. Likewise, it is now bearing fruit through various initiatives with the United Nations adopted the Document on Human Fraternity, and the day of its signing as an International Day of Human Fraternity while numerous universities have also incorporated it into their educational curricula and nations have adopted it as a national charter."

Abdelsalam pointed that the Muslim Council of Elders collaborates with numerous religious institutions and dialogue partners to promote and enhance the values of human fraternity while also aiming to disseminate and uphold the values of the Document which was recognized ratified by various religious leaders and heads of state at the World and Traditional Religious Leaders Conference held in Kazakhstan in Kazakhstan in September 2022. The Document also serves as a fundamental reference for interreligious and intercultural dialogue, as affirmed by the outcomes of the East-West Dialogue Forum in Bahrain. This confirms that the document, along with its noble values and principles, has not been in vain but has generated a global momentum supporting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence, inspiring many countries, peoples, and leaders to continue on this path.

The Secretary-General also emphasized the Council’s focus on engaging youth in peacebuilding and human coexistence. He noted that July will witness the launch of the second edition of ‘Emerging Peacemakers Forum’ organized by the Council of Muslim Elders in collaboration with the Rose Castle Foundation and the World Council of Churches. The objective of the initiative is to train a generation of young people capable of actively contributing to global peacebuilding.

The Secretary-General expressed also thanked the Embassy of the Republic of Senegal at the Vatican for hosting the event, while noting Senegal's historical efforts in promoting peace in the Africa. He also thanked the Vatican, describing it as a crucial partner in promoting coexistence and human fraternity while also extended his sincere wishes for a swift recovery to His Holiness Pope Francis.

The seminar was attended by His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Secretary of State of Vatican City; His Eminence Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso, President of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and President of the Meetings of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity; and Ambassador Martin Pascal, Ambassador of the Republic of Senegal to the Vatican.