Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi, Executive Director of the Peacemakers Network speaking at the IDCT Conference.

The 2024 International Conference on the Dialogue of Civilization and Tolerance convened diverse experts in Abu Dhabi from academia, politics, and various sectors to collectively address the fundamental questions central to fostering dialogue among civilizations.

Organized by the Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, and the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, in cooperation with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, conference sessions explored the multifaceted nature of meaningful intercultural dialogue.

Speaking on global perspectives on peace, Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi, Executive Director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers (Peacemakers Network) reiterated the importance of inclusivity in all facets of peacebuilding and peace mediation: 

“Inclusive engagement is key to fostering peaceful and tolerant societies. Studies show the participation of civil society groups, including women’s organizations, makes a peace agreement 64% less likely to fail, with the resulting agreement being more sustainable and better implemented. We must ensure there is space at the discussion table and opportunities for these groups to meaningfully participate and lead.”

H.E Tuula Yrjölä, Finnish Ambassador in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain with members of the Peacemakers Network and FCA. From left to right: Dr. Mohmed Elsanousi, Ambassador Tuula Yrölä, Tarja Kantola, Jussi Ojala.

Ms. Tarja Kantola, Board Chair of Finn Church Aid, participated in a panel discussion focussing on strategies to enhance global economic resilience by promoting tolerance. She specifically discussed Finn Church Aid’s efforts in fragile environments, emphasizing the significant role of advancing education, livelihoods, and peace initiatives as effective tools for fostering economic prosperity.

The conference underscored the potential for constructive dialogue to generate innovative solutions to the shared global challenges confirming humanity, emphasizing the importance of dialogue over conflict. The conference ended with a unanimous acknowledgement of tolerance as the foundation for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

Ms. Tarja Kantola, Chairwoman of the FCA Board (middle) with Officials from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.