The president of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace (GCTP), H.E. Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al Jarwan, chaired an international congress this Tuesday in Madrid, held at the headquarters of the Foundation for Islamic Culture and Religious Tolerance (FICRT), and in collaboration with the Supreme Committee for Human Fraternity, on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Common Coexistence.
The speakers at the Congress have underscored the significance of the Document of Human Fraternity, co-signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of the Al-Azhar Ahamad al-Tayyib, emphasizing its role as a shared declaration fostering peace and tolerance worldwide. They emphasized that this document represents a culmination of the fraternal bond uniting these esteemed religious leaders, serving as a pathway to dialogue and interfaith cooperation. They highlighted its importance as a guiding light for future generations in cultivating a mutual respect and understanding culture.
The Congress welcomed a distinguished array of attendees, including:
- E. Enric Millo Rocher
Secretary General of Foreign Action, European Union and Cooperation of the Government of Andalusia - E. Bernardito Auza y Cleopas
Apostolic Nuncio in Spain; - E. Ali Khalifa Al Nueimi
Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Madrid - E. Lorena García de Izarra
Managing Director of the Three Cultures of the Mediterranean Foundation - E. Federico Mayor Zaragoza
Former Director of UNESCO and current president of the Culture of Peace Foundation - E. Carlos Rojas García
Second Vice President of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Congress of Deputies of Spain - E. María Jesús Bonilla Domínguez
First Vice President of the Interior Commission of the Senate of Spain - E. Aitor de la Morena
Episcopal Delegate of Interdenominational Relations of the Archbishopric of Madrid - E. Ángel García Rodríguez
Founder and President of the UN Messengers of Peace - E. Alberto Guerrero Fernández
President of the Spanish Federation of Centers and Clubs for UNESCO - E. Saif El Islam Benabdennour
President of the Abraham Forum for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue
In addition, the event was also attended by numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Madrid, the Congress of Deputies, the Spanish Senate, and professors from the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid (URJC). Several Spanish media outlets were present, with RTVE leading the media coverage and conducting several interviews with the participants.
The participants in the event have agreed to applaud the role and efforts made by the United Arab Emirates and its government, in addition to the state institutions of this country and global platforms such as the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, aimed at promoting the culture of dialogue, peaceful coexistence, diplomacy, peace and tolerance in various countries and areas of the world, through common parliamentary action and the convening of international forums and initiatives, in collaboration with allied countries and friends of the UAE, aimed at promoting this culture and consolidating it in all areas, especially in the educational field, in addition to promoting equality, the eradication of hatred and discrimination, through the activation of constructive policies, in the implementation of which the institutions collaborate states and civil society in different parts of the world.
For his part, Al Jarwan stressed in his speech that the GCTP considers the Document of Human Fraternity as a global constitution for humanity, which aims to protect the marginalized and vulnerable, as well as a document that consolidates the fundamental principles that defend the countries of the world, such as justice, the rights of women and children. The GCTP also considers this document as a roadmap for humanity, which is characterized by its flexibility when applying it in any country in the world.
“The GCTP has a firm conviction of the importance of cooperation with the different institutions interested in the defense of peace and the promotion of the values of tolerance. For this reason, the GCTP and its main organisms support this goal” adds the president of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace.
Ahmed Al Jarwan has insisted that the GCTP is committed to applying what is established in the Document of Human Fraternity through the organisms of Council, that is, the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP), which has more than 100 national deputies from different parliaments worldwide, and the General Assembly for Tolerance and Peace, which collaborates with partners from various universities and civil society.
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Message from His Excellency. Khalid Ghanim Al Ghaith, secretary general of the High Commissioner for Human Brotherhood.
“Fostering Human Fraternity: Designing Transformative Activities for Inclusivity and Understanding.
Today, as we gather to commemorate the International World Day of Human Fraternity, we are reminded of the essential values that bind us together as a global community. This day serves as a beacon, guiding us towards fostering understanding, compassion, and unity among the diverse tapestry of humanity. Human fraternity goes beyond borders, languages, and cultural differences. It is a call to recognize the shared humanity that unites us all. In a world that often faces challenges and conflicts, the importance of promoting dialogue and inclusivity cannot be overstated. This day serves as a powerful reminder that our collective well-being depends on acknowledging and celebrating our shared values. As we reflect on the significance of human fraternity, let us commit ourselves to designing transformative activities that promote inclusivity and understanding. Workshops, cultural exchanges, and educational initiatives can play a pivotal role in breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of kinship among individuals from diverse backgrounds. It is through these activities that we can build bridges of empathy and compassion, transcending borders and contributing to the building of a more peaceful and tolerant global society.
In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, the need for human fraternity has never been more crucial. Today, let us pledge to embrace our shared responsibility to create a world where every individual is respected, valued, and understood. By championing the principles of human fraternity, we embark on a journey towards a more harmonious and interconnected world, where the richness of diversity is celebrated, and the ties of brotherhood and sisterhood are strengthened.
On this International World Day of Human Fraternity, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a future where the spirit of understanding and inclusivity prevails, and where the bonds of fraternity unite us all in our common humanity.”
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At the end of the event, the president of the GCTP presented the shield of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace to the former director of UNESCO and current president of the Culture of Peace Foundation of Spain, Federico Mayor Zaragoza, in recognition of the work of the former Spanish minister and his crucial role, at the national, regional and international levels, aimed at promoting human rights and equality and promoting peaceful coexistence and tolerance. Al Jarwan has also presented GCTP medals to all those participating in that international congress.
