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KAICIID Council of Parties Advances Efforts Toward UN Observer Status

Lisbon, Portugal, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID is making significant strides in its pursuit of United Nations (UN) Observer Status, as highlighted during the recent Council of Parties meeting in Lisbon. This strategic initiative aligns with KAICIID's mandate to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue (IRD/ICD) on a global scale, further reinforcing its role as a key player in fostering peace and cooperation among diverse communities.

During the Council of Parties meeting, held on 13 September 2024, the governing body reiterated support for obtaining Observer Status at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), and recommended to continue strengthening partnerships with key UN entities. The meeting also emphasized the ongoing efforts to expand the Centre’s membership, beginning with the host country, Portugal.

Strategic Vision

KAICIID's pursuit of UN Observer Status reflects its broader strategic vision to reposition the Centre as a global player in intercultural and interreligious dialogue. As outlined in the Centre's recently approved Strategic Plan (2024–2027), the achievement of the UN Observer Status is a top institutional priority. This move would solidify KAICIID's position within the international community, enabling it to participate in the sessions and work of the UN General Assembly in a more formal capacity.

Dr. Zuhair Alharthi, the Centre’s Secretary General (SG) has been leading efforts to advance this goal, engaging in high–level discussions with UN officials and key stakeholders. Recent outreach missions to New York, including bilateral meetings on the margins of the UN High–Level Political Forum in July 2024, have garnered positive feedback from UN high level officials and other international partners.

Building Partnerships for Peace

KAICIID’s journey toward UN Observer Status is closely linked to its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Through its work, KAICIID promotes multi–stakeholder partnerships, including collaborations with UN entities such as the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), among others. The Centre’s unique expertise in IRD/ICD positions it as a valuable partner in global efforts to promote peace, human rights, and sustainable development.

In addition to its existing partnerships, KAICIID has been actively expanding its programmatic reach into new regions, including Latin America, with the goal of strengthening its presence globally and contributing to dialogue–based peacebuilding initiatives.

Next Steps

As KAICIID progresses toward its goal of obtaining UN Observer Status, the Centre will be taking the necessary steps for this complex and lengthy political process. A key element of this process involves engaging UN Member States to sponsor a draft resolution that would invite KAICIID to participate in the work of the UNGA as an observer.

The Centre will continue its diplomatic engagements, leveraging its growing partnerships and strategic alliances to ensure a positive outcome. By securing UN Observer Status, KAICIID aims to further amplify its role in fostering dialogue, peace, and mutual understanding among the world’s diverse communities.

About KAICIID

KAICIID is an intergovernmental organization that brings together religious leaders and policymakers to promote the use of dialogue to resolve conflicts and foster understanding among different cultures and religions. Established by Austria, Saudi Arabia, and Spain, with the Holy See as a founding observer, KAICIID’s mission is to promote peace and cooperation through dialogue at the global level. 

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International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID Facilitates Dialogue Encounters at World Youth Day Lisbon 2023

Lisbon, Portugal., July 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID is delighted to announce its participation in World Youth Day Lisbon 2023, a significant international gathering of young people aimed at fostering unity, faith, and cultural exchange. From 1st to 6th August 2023, the enchanting city of Lisbon will play host to this momentous event, and KAICIID will be at the forefront, organizing Dialogue Encounters that promote understanding and cooperation among followers of different religious traditions, religious leaders, and policymakers.

As a unique intergovernmental organization with a dual governance structure consisting of a Council of Parties comprising States and a Board of Directors made up of religious leaders, KAICIID is committed to bridging the gaps between diverse faiths, nationalities, and generations. The Dialogue Encounters, part of the Youth Festival strand, will encompass a series of activities designed to facilitate meaningful dialogues and genuine acceptance, in line with the message of His Holiness Pope Francis, who calls for “concrete encounters” and understanding of those different from ourselves.

At the heart of KAICIID's involvement in World Youth Day are three key activities: a panel debate with representatives from five different religions, the launch of the innovative Dialogo board game, and a screening of the poignant documentary, "Justine: A KAICIID Fellow's Journey."

Dr. Zuhair Alharthi, Secretary General of the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), expressed his enthusiasm for the forthcoming Dialogue Encounters, stating, “At KAICIID, we believe that dialogue is the key to fostering peace and harmony in our interconnected world. World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 presents an unparalleled opportunity for us to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds, nurturing a culture of dialogue and acceptance. We are excited to be hosting several activities, including a panel discussion with leaders from five different religions, the launch of the Dialogo board game in Portugal, and the screening of our latest documentary, all culminating in an audience with His Holiness Pope Francis.”

The KAICIID Dialogo! board game, designed to encourage dialogue, teamwork, and social emotional learning, will be a highlight of the Dialogue Encounters. This game has already made a significant impact worldwide, being embraced by schools, teams, and learning environments as a tool to promote skills in dialogue and peacebuilding. Dr. Alharthi emphasized, “Dialogo! is for youth and adults alike, for all those who seek to develop their skills in dialogue and inspire others to join the conversation.”

Dr. Alharthi further added, “The Dialogue Encounters we have prepared for World Youth Day will empower young people with the necessary tools to facilitate meaningful conversations and embrace diversity. We believe that by promoting dialogue and empathy, we can build bridges that connect cultures and foster global harmony.”

In a moment of exceptional significance, eight KAICIID Fellows will have the privilege of participating in an audience with His Holiness Pope Francis. During this intimate gathering, the Fellows will share their reflections on how interreligious dialogue can serve as a powerful means to create links between cultures and religions, providing a unique and enriching personal experience for all involved.

As an intergovernmental organization based in Lisbon, KAICIID is uniquely positioned to facilitate meaningful encounters between people of different faiths and cultures. By strengthening capacity at the local, national, and regional level through education on dialogue practices, increasing understanding of religious and cultural diversity through leadership for dialogue training, and promoting dialogue and social cohesion through conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and development policies, KAICIID continues to play a vital role in fostering a more inclusive and peaceful world.

To learn more about the International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID and their efforts to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue, please visit www.kaiciid.org.

About International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID:

The International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting peace and understanding through interreligious and intercultural dialogue. By strengthening capacity at the local, national, and regional level through education on dialogue practices, leadership for dialogue training, and promoting dialogue and social cohesion through conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and development policies, KAICIID aims to create a more harmonious and cooperative global community.

For media inquiries, please contact: press@kaiciid.org

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