Thematic Panel 6 - 10th UNAOC Global Forum

Thematic Panel 6: "Faith in dialogue: religious mediation for peace"

• Mr. Abdulla Al Shehhi, Acting Executive Director, Abrahamic Family House
• Ms. Karen Dresbach, Executive Vice President, Appeal of Conscience Foundation
• Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, Secretary-General, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance
• Reverend Mr. James Movel Wuye, Co-Director, Interfaith Mediation Center
• Ms. Bani Dugal, Principal Representative to the United Nations, Baha'i International Community
• Imam Dr. Muhammad Ashafa, Co-Director, Interfaith Mediation Center
• Professor Paulo Mendes Pinto, Chair of Religion and Politics, Universidade Lusofona, Portugal
• Dr. Fernando Soares Loja, Deputy Chair, Commission of Freedom of Religion

Moderator: Dr. Mohamed Elbagir Ali Elsanousi, Executive Director, Network of Religious and Traditional Peacemakers

In an era often characterized by the association of religious actors with violence and terrorism, religious and spiritual traditions can serve peaceful ends through dialogue initiatives, conflict prevention and resolution. Two decades after the 2005 United Nations Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, the importance of religious actors in the promotion of peace mediation, non-violence, cultural understanding, harmony, and cooperation on a global scale has become essential.

The session will further examine the role of religious leaders and faith actors in peace mediation and dialogue processes. The panelists representing diverse faith denominations will exchange views based on their engagement in the mediation of conflicts, highlighting the specificities of religious contributions to peacemaking.

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The 10th UNAOC Global Forum in Cascais, Portugal will convene members of the UNAOC Group of Friends, political leaders, representatives of international and regional organizations, religious leaders and faith actors, the private sector, civil society, academia, youth, arts and media, as well as donor agencies and foundations, who will address the global issues pertinent to peace and security and call for restoring trust and for uniting in peace. 

In Cascais, participants will have an opportunity to reflect on the twenty years of the 'Alliance of Civilizations' initiative, announced by Spain at the 59th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2004, and how UNAOC grew into a vibrant and well-established United Nations entity.

The event will be an occasion to highlight and celebrate UNAOC achievements and map the blueprint for "One Humanity" in the years to come.