Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam: The Muslim Council of Elders has a clear vision and a practical plan for engaging qualitatively in collective thinking and dialogue on pressing global issues.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders (MCE), His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, highlighted the critical role of interfaith and civilizational dialogue in enhancing awareness among peoples and communities about intellectual security and global peace. He noted that the Council, in line with its vision for the upcoming phase, is dedicated to actively engaging in thoughtful dialogue and collaborative thinking on the most important and pressing global issues. These issues, recognized globally as having paramount importance, require collective efforts to address their challenges, including global peace through various levels of religious dialogue, climate change, and ethical and intellectual challenges.

During his video address at the international symposium organized by Al-Azhar's Islamic Research Academy in cooperation with the Nursultan Nazarbayev Center for the Development of Interfaith and Intercivilizational Dialogue in the Republic of Kazakhstan, titled "The Importance of Interfaith and Civilizational Dialogue in Promoting Awareness of Intellectual Security and Global Peace," the MCE’s Secretary-General stated that this vision, reflected in the Council's action plan for interfaith dialogue, aims to build upon its previous achievements. One of the most notable achievements is the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by two prominent religious figures: His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. This historic event, attended by religious leaders from around the world, led the United Nations to designate February 4th, the day the Document on Human Fraternity was signed, as the International Day of Human Fraternity. Another significant milestone was the launch of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, which has become one of the most prestigious global awards in dialogue, coexistence, and human fraternity.

His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam noted that the previous phase, specifically following the meeting of the General Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan, was marked by the Muslim Council of Elders undertaking a wide array of extensive activities. The Council inaugurated its regional office in the Kazakh capital, Astana, a city regarded as a cultural nexus steeped in the values of peace, dialogue, and coexistence. He also highlighted that the Council organized the Global Faith Summit on Climate Action in Abu Dhabi, which resulted in the unique historical declaration known as "The Call of Conscience: Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement on Climate Change." This statement served as a global spiritual and ethical charter in the field of climate change, signed by representatives from over 40 religious leaders and figures worldwide. Following this Summit, the Council also organized the Faith Pavilion at COP28, a first in the history of the Conference of the Parties. This Pavilion was a unique platform for discussions on climate and sustainable development issues, hosting 70 dialogues with participation from more than 300 representatives of various religions and denominations from around the world.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders concluded his speech by reiterating the Council's commitment to advancing its vision in the realm of interfaith dialogue. This includes exploring new avenues of cooperation among religions to address shared global challenges and risks, through ongoing partnerships with institutions aligned with this mission. Furthermore, His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam praised Al-Azhar's efforts and contributions and the hosting of this dialogue session by Al-Azhar's Islamic Research Academy. He emphasized that this symposium offered a platform for exchanging ideas that strengthen interfaith relations and improve the management of these relationships.

The dialogue symposium was attended by a distinguished group of leaders in interfaith dialogue and academics from both within and outside Egypt. Participants included Prof. Salama Dawood, President of Al-Azhar University; Dr. Nazir Ayad, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy; Dr. Nahla El-Saidi, Advisor to the Grand Imam on Foreign Student Delegations and Expatriate Affairs; Mr. Bulat Sarsenbayev, Chairman of the Board of the Nursultan Nazarbayev Center for the Development of Interfaith and Intercivilizational Dialogue in Kazakhstan; and numerous thinkers, researchers, and academics.