The University of Humanities and Law in Kazakhstan (KAZGUU) awarded the degree of honorary professorship to Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders (MCE) Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, in recognition of his efforts spreading the values of coexistence, dialogue, and human fraternity around the globe.

In a speech entitled, “Peacebuilding dialogue on legal foundations in light of global challenges,” the MCE Secretary-General expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the prestigious University for Humanities and Law for granting him the honorary professorship. He said he was honored by the degree as it is associated with education - the most honorable mission in life that follows in the footsteps of the Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) who was sent as a teacher for all humankind.

Judge Abdelsalam added that the importance of this honor also stems from the symbolism of the location, as the hall hosting the ceremony bears the name of the late founder of the United Arab Emirates, the wise Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him. 

Sheikh Zayed was an outstanding figure who worked hard and sincerely to build the values of tolerance and pluralism in his society, according to Judge Abdelsalam, who said that Sheikh Zayed made the UAE an excellent model of tolerance - advancing peace, coexistence, and human fraternity across the world.

The Secretary-General stressed the importance of communicating with young people - describing youth as an everlasting source of energy and hope - especially students who represent a vital source of ideas and optimism for a better future. He emphasized the importance of dialogue with young people and exchanging visions and ideas with them, which is necessary today in an age of nonstop information, which can overwhelm and distract the minds of youth. Such torrential flow of information can hinder young people from asking life’s deepest questions and envisioning new ways to achieve a better future for humanity.

Judge Abdelsalam said that the Muslim Council of Elders counts on the role of the youth in spreading the values of peace and coexistence, adding that the Council aims to overcome the current challenges facing the world through a vision that considers justice as a cornerstone and condition of peace. 

The Council has a number of global initiatives that have shaped major events to serve humanity, culminating in the signing of the historic Abu Dhabi Document of Human Fraternity, which was signed by Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and his brother, His Holiness Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, under the kind patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

At the conclusion of his speech, the MCE Secretary-General called on youth to have hope and stay on the path of knowledge, tolerance, and coexistence. He said that young people should believe in humanity’s ability to face challenges, their God-given capabilities, and the guidance revealed to humanity that has sparked faith and knowledge, which are the most precious assets for a better future.