The Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair 2024 presents the work "Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence." The event took place in Manama, capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain, from November 3 to 4, 2022, in the presence of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, of the Catholic Church.
The Bahrain Dialogue Forum comprised four sessions, which carefully selected issues were addressed, reflecting their exceptional importance in the current moment of our world's history. The discussions focused on peace, peaceful coexistence, and tolerance, education, contemporary ethical and moral crises, dialogue, especially religious dialogue, shared values among cultures, current economic and social crises, critical international relations issues like food and climate, wars, and the risks of Islamophobia. The role of religious leaders in addressing the challenges of their time was also explored.
While introducing the book, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that wisdom represented the essence of the Bahrain Dialogue Forum. The wise figures from Eastern and Western societies were its guests and invitees, embodying a deep belief in the importance of listening to them to benefit from their experiences in building peace and strengthening the values of human coexistence in diverse religious and cultural contexts. This mutual exchange, through various institutional experiences and different social environments, enhances the role of the Muslim Council of Elders and its contribution to fulfilling its mission in partnership with all stakeholders committed to these human values worldwide.
Judge Abdelsalam affirmed that choosing "Dialogue" as the theme of the Bahrain Dialogue Forum signifies a triumph for a major humanitarian value and a grand idea. The global event elevates the management of human relations and builds innovative visions for solving complex global problems at various levels. It represents a victory for an inspiring vision deeply rooted in spiritual and moral sources. The participation of the two major religious symbols, His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Pope Francis, in the Bahrain Dialogue Forum is a significant source of influence for the forum and for religious dialogue worldwide. Their historical roles, reflected in signing the Document of Human Fraternity, were highlighted.
The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders clarified that the Bahrain Dialogue Forum sought to emphasize the importance of dialogue as the sole and most effective path to invest in common human intelligence for solving global problems. It did so by addressing them through various approaches and experiences, collectively contemplating innovative and creative solutions to some of the challenges facing humanity. This was achieved by involving a qualitative group of influential actors with visionary expertise and leading initiatives, confirming that the Bahrain Dialogue Forum was more than just an opportunity for encounters and dialogues between diverse global elites of references and specialties. It was a message for a shared future and an advanced idea proposed by the wise figures of the world, considering it an open choice and a continuous path that unites all those concerned about the future of humanity and eager for fraternity among its children.
The Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair features a diverse collection of publications, along with a series of seminars, activities, and events focused on promoting the values of peace and mutual coexistence among all humanity.
The pavilion is located alongside the Al-Azhar pavilion in Hall 4 at the Egypt International Exhibition and Conference Center in the Fifth Settlement in Cairo.
