Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024 hosted a pivotal seminar organized by the Muslim Council of Elders titled “Youth in the Journey of the Muslim Council of Elders.” The event featured prominent speakers including Meera Al Mheiri, Yara Ahmed, Khalifa Khalid, and Meera Almazrouei, all of whom are graduates of the council’s Emerging Peacemakers Forum. This initiative is aimed at empowering young people to contribute to peace, enhance coexistence, and bridge dialogues globally.
The seminar opened with the graduates discussing the council’s continuous efforts to promote tolerance and human fraternity. They detailed how the council leverages the influence of religious leaders and various societal groups to tackle global challenges, particularly those facing the youth. The speakers highlighted the council’s role in nurturing and supporting young individuals in fields such as peacebuilding, and fostering a culture of diversity and pluralism. This, they noted, has greatly enhanced their openness and understanding of coexistence values and positive interactions with diverse communities worldwide.
Khalifa Khalid, a graduate of the first Emerging Peacemakers Forum, shared insights into the ongoing collaboration among the forum’s alumni. He explained how they have been actively implementing strategies and initiatives to bolster peacebuilding efforts and promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence across several countries, including the US, the UK, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and the UAE.
Meera Al Mheiri spoke about the council’s broader role in not just involving the youth in the Emerging Peacemakers Forum but also in empowering them to serve as peace ambassadors on international stages. She lauded the council’s commitment to embracing diverse ideas and perspectives from the youth, which are instrumental in crafting targeted initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing societal well-being globally.
The first edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum was launched in London in 2018, a collaborative effort between the Muslim Council of Elders, Al-Azhar, and the Church of England. The subsequent edition took place in July 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, in partnership with the World Council of Churches and the Rose Castle Foundation. Each forum has seen the participation of 50 young men and women from various global regions, all committed to fostering global peace and coexistence.
MOST READ | Dubai Foundation Launches ‘Positive Parenting’ Program