The Third 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), focused on “How to Foster Reconciliation and Peaceful Coexistence in the MENA Region”. The two keynote speakers − Dr. Elie Abouaoun, RSC Senior Fellow and Director of North Africa Programs & MENA Hub, U.S. Institute of Peace; Hon. Pascale Isho Warda, RSC Senior Fellow, President of the Hammurabi Human Rights Organization, and Former Minister for Migration and the Displaced, Iraqi Interim Government – shared their views on the reasons for the polarization in terms of political, confessional, and ethnic identities that have long been preventing common living in local societies. The heaviest consequences of conflicts, uprisings, humanitarian predicament, and violent extremism, have been paid oftentimes by minority communities, while the scenario is further compounded by bad governance and corruption, which strongly contribute to undermine the legitimacy of institutions and state-building processes. This calls for renewed efforts to develop effective initiatives and programs aimed at fostering peace and reconciliation in the MENA Region, with the support of the international community. The session also featured a round-table discussion, which enabled the exchange and common reflection between the two keynote speakers and the officials, scholars, and practitioners who took part in the proceedings. The proceedings introduced and moderated by Ms. Shireen Al Mashaqba, RSC Senior Fellow.
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”
