Following the opening remarks, the First Session of the Study Seminar “Religion, Peace, and Security: Challenges and Prospects in the MENA Region”, organized by the Religion & Security Council (RSC) and the NATO Security Force Assistance Center of Excellence (NATO SFA COE), examined a topic of increasing relevance to foreign affairs and security experts: “Interreligious Dialogue in Conflicts Resolution and Peace-Building”. The proceedings explored how dialogue and engagement between stakeholders from different religious groups can greatly contribute to promoting reconciliation, sustain stabilization, prevent warfare, and counter radicalization and violent extremism in MENA countries and on a regional level. Operating across religious and cultural boundaries, interfaith programs and initiatives have the capacity to facilitate mutual understanding, create bonds based on trust and respect, defuse tensions, and help achieve peaceful settlements, as highlighted by the keynote speakers: Dr. Elie Al Hindy, Executive Director of the Adyan Foundation and Associate Professor at the Notre Dame University-Louaize; Dr. Majeda Omar, Associate Professor at The University of Jordan and former Director of The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies. Further reflections on the role of interreligious dialogue in advancing peace and security were developed by the distinguished group of religious leaders, military officers, scholars, and practitioners who intervened during the discussion time. The proceedings were introduced and moderated by RSC Chairman Emiliano Stornelli.
Proceedings of the Study Seminar
Opening Session
A Strategic Perspective on “Religion, Peace, and Security”
First Session
Introduction
Dr. Elie Al Hindy: “Interreligious Dialogue: Three Levels of Engagement for Peace and Security”
Dr. Majeda Omar: “The Amman Message and Other Insights from Jordan”
Round-Table Discussion
Second Session
Introduction
Prof. Aicha Haddou: Preventing Extremism: The Moroccan “Experience”
Imam Yahya Pallavicini: Policies and Initiatives Against the Radical Discourse in the MENA Region
Round-Table Discussion
Third Session
Introduction
Dr. Elie Abouaoun: “Food for Thought” On How to Foster Peace and Reconciliation in the MENA Region
Hon. Pascale Warda: Sectarianism and the Predicament of Religious Minorities in Iraq
Round-Table Discussion
See also
“Religion, Peace, and Security: Challenges and Prosepcts in the MENA Region”
