King Abdullah International Dialogue
Centre opens in Vienna: A historic day
Dr. Mozammel Haque
VIENNA:
The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious
Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) was opened at the Hofburg Palace, Vienna, on
Monday, the 26th of November, 2012, in the presence of a global
audience of almost 800 guests, including ambassadors, government
representatives, religious leaders, academics and scholars. Many
non-governmental organisations, cultural institutions and interfaith groups
were also represented.
The
ceremonial opening of the centre was carried out by the UN Secretary General,
Ban Ki-moon, the Foreign Ministers of the three founding States, HRH Prince
Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz al-Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HE.
Michael Spindelegger of the Republic of Austria and HE. Jose Manuel
Garcia-Margallo of the Kingdom of Spain, the President of the Vatican
Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in the Vatican City, His
Eminence Cardinal Jean-Louis Pierre Tauran, the Secretary General of the Muslim
World League, Dr. Abdullah Mohsin Al-Turki, the Ecumenical Patriarch, His All
Holiness Bartholomew-1, the Archbishop of Madrid, Antonio Maria Rouco Varela
and the Chief Rabbi of Moscow and President of Conference of European Rabbis,
Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt.
It
was witnessed by KAICIID’s Board of Directors, by its Secretary General, HE.
Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muaammar and the Deputy Secretary General, Ms.
Claudia Bandion-Ortner.
Though
the centre is the brainchild of King Abdullah, it is established in Vienna,
Austria and Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Saudi Foreign Minister, signed the agreement
for the establishment of the centre with the Austrian Vice Chancellor and
Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger and Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs
and Cooperation Trinidad Jimenez, in the presence of representatives of
international organisations. They are the Founding States of the Centre and
these constitute the “Council of Parties” responsible for overseeing the
establishment of the Centre. The Holy See has a role as a Founding Observer.
Not
only that, The Vatican, a strong supporter of the project, has joined as a
founding observer and will be represented on the board, which, according to the
treaty, must have three Christians, three Muslims, a Jew, a Hindu and a
Buddhist.
It
is rightly said, “The strong endorsements by the United Nations, the Vatican,
which has joined as a founding observer and is represented on the board, and
the board of high-level representatives of the major world religions (Judaism,
Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism) are enough to silence the voices of
sceptics and extremists in all religions who are obstacles to peace and a
threat to global prosperity.”
Before
I start writing the proceedings of the inauguration ceremony with the speeches
delivered by the Foreign Ministers, UN Secretary General, Cardinal Tauran and
representatives of different religions and cultures, I would like to point out
that this centre (KAICIID) is the first global international organisation with
multi-faith oversight focused on religion and is backed by an international
treaty signed by Austria, Spain and Saudi Arabia.
Another
point I would also like to make it clear that although launched by the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia and named after King Abdullah, Faisal bin Muammar, Secretary
General of KAICIID, stressed it is not a Saudi entity. “This is an
international institution,” he said and added, “About 70 percent of the world’s
religions are on its board. The centre will be a neutral place to exchange
ideas.”
Speeches
at the Opening Ceremony
The
official opening ceremony started with the speeches of the Foreign Ministers of
the Founding States of the Centre.
Two
personal video messages of congratulations and support were screened, one from
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, The Custodian of Two Holy Mosques and the other
from King Juan Carlos I of Spain.
Prince Saud Al-Faisal
Speaking
at the opening ceremony of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre
for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID), Prince Saud Al-Faisal,
Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, said that “Vienna was selected to host the
Centre considering its contributions to human civilization. It is the .most
suitable place for a centre whose goal is to bring peoples and cultures closer
and deepen the values of moderation and tolerance,” said Prince Saud.
Speaking
about the long journey of King Abdullah’s interfaith dialogue, he said King
Abdullah’s interfaith dialogue initiative had its origin in Makkah. “The centre
which we open today is the fruit of great endeavours that began in Makkah, and
continued in Madrid and New York. This opening means we have crossed the phase
of preparation to start actual working to achieve the centre’s objectives,” the
Prince said.
Prince
Saud described KAICIID as a historic initiative by King Abdullah. “We hope it
would encourage objective and responsible human dialogue to strengthen the
common grounds of the followers of different faiths that represent the core of
divine messages and human cultures.”
He
said the centre would take up important issues that concern all human beings
and that were the reasons behind costly wars, bloody conflict and loathsome
crimes.
Prince
Saud said lack of moral values was creating a lot of social problems around the
world, including dismemberment of family relations, spread of injustice and
corruption and increasing number of crimes. “We hope that this centre would
work for promoting understanding among the followers of different faiths as
well as for reviving moral and human values,” he added.
Prince
Saud added that the KAICIID is the only centre that includes clerics and their
decisions are basic for interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
Prince
Saud urged the centre to work for deepening the values of tolerance, understanding
and respecting the other and prevent abuse of religions and Prophets. He
thanked all those who supported the dialogue centre project.
King
of Spain, King Juan Carlos I
In
his videoed address to the opening ceremony, King Juan Carlos of Spain
commended the establishment of the centre, saying it was the result of the
first dialogue conference in Madrid. “Spain is a country whose heritage
embraces a long history of coexistence between different cultures and
religions. This experience leads us to believe that the initiative will be able
to attain a high profile which will serve as a compliment to the efforts made
in other forums, particularly within the sphere of the United Nations,” said
King Carlos.
King
of Spain praised King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for the initiative. “I would like
to thank and congratulate King Abdullah for promoting this project with such
enthusiasm and in a spirit of dialogue that I am sure will guarantee the Centre’s
success,” he said.
Speaking
about the KAICIID, King Juan Carlos said, “I am convinced that this Centre is
going to become a reference on the international scene for promoting dialogue
between religions and cultures and ultimately contributing to the peace and
prosperity of all peoples.”
King
Juan Carlos wished success of the Centre. “My best wishes for the Centre’s
success in the hope that its efforts will contribute to affirming respect for
the diversity of faiths and cultures around the world,” he said.
President
of the Republic of Austria
Mr.
Heinz Fischer
Austrian
President Mr. Heinz Fischer emphasized the importance of dialogue to settle
conflicts and end violence. “Now more than ever it is imperative to actively
pursue viable alternatives to aggression, violence, to bridge historical
differences, build and foster understanding. I truly belief that through
dialogue we can build common future based on respect, human rights, fundamental
freedom as well as justice and thus contribute to promoting peaceful
co-existence in pluralistic society,” Austrian President said.
While
emphasizing Austria’s multi-religious and multicultural tradition, President
Fischer said, “Austria has a long history of diversity, culture, religion,
tradition, and language which has made Austria a good example of a
heterogeneous society. Against this background, Austria has become a
significant venue for intercultural interreligious dialogue to pursue the
strengthening of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.”
Speaking
about the KAICIID, Austrian President said, “I think that the Centre can become
a powerful enabler; an enabler that offers a platform bringing together the
representatives of all faiths and backgrounds giving voices to different
beliefs and cultures and providing rooms for the constructive dialogue.”
“I
strongly hope that the new centre will provide a unique opportunity to advocate
recognition of diversity as an added value to encourage dialogue and critical
discussion and finally to foster lasting peaceful co-existence,” he said.
Foreign Minister of Spain
HE Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo y Marfil
In
his address to the opening ceremony, the Foreign Minister of Spain, HE Jose
Manuel Garcia-Margallo y Marfil, said, “I think this centre is a very relevant
achievement in the process that started in Madrid, Spain that leads to the
world conferences of dialogues organised later. Let me stress now that the
peaceful coexistence of different cultures and religions is one of the main
challenges.”
“This
centre has just opened its doors will compliment this and other initiatives and
projects. It is fully committed to support this centre ambition; they will also
support and acknowledge the important role of the different religions,” he
said.
Spanish
Foreign Minister also said, “I like to encourage all countries coming from
different regions, cultures and religions to cooperate with this centre sharing
its principles like all so that we will build a building capacity based on
peace have the say.”
Austria’s Deputy Prime Minister and
Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger
In
his address to the opening ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign
Minister of Austria, HE Michael Spindelegger, said, “The centre shall function
as a hub for other organisations currently active in the field of dialogue and
thus further structure and reinforce joint weight and sustainable structure for
the well being dialogue through practical projects by its means to develop a
network of experts, scholars and civil society representatives so as to
establish a platform for open and constructive of different faith civil society
the academia will work together truly interreligious interdisciplinary manner.”
Mr.
Spindelegger also said, “Founding of this centre constitutes a decisive
milestone for dialogue. Next few years will translate its mandate into action
and deliver responsibility of enhancing cooperative veracity and justice.”
He
highlighted his speech by expressing his gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia, the Kingdom of Spain and the support of the Holy See and underscored
his speech by expressing his gratitude to the Secretary General HE Faisal bin
Muaammar for their untiring efforts devoted to this noble centre and its board
of directors which combines the wisdom. I look forward to see the centre
flourish and contribute.”
President of the Vatican Pontifical Council for
Interreligious Dialogue
Cardinal Jean-LouisTauran
Speaking
at the opening ceremony of the centre, His Eminence Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran,
a French cardinal and President of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for
Interreligious Dialogue, cautioned, “We are being watched. Everyone is
expecting from the initiative of His Majesty King Abdullah supported by the
governments of Austria and Spain honesty, vision and credibility.”
But Cardinal Tauran acknowledged, “This centre
presents another opportunity for open dialogue on many issues including those
related to fundamental human rights, in particular religious freedom.”
UN Secretary General
Ban-Ki-moon
United
Nations has given wonderful encouragement to further the prospect of
interreligious and intercultural dialogue providing support to the creation of
multilateral organisation such as King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International
Dialogue Centre.
UN
Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, said his organisation would extend all support
for the successful functioning of the centre. He praised King Abdullah and the
governments of Spain and Austria for their efforts to set up the centre.
UN
Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, said during the opening ceremony “Religious
leaders have immense influence. They can be powerful forces for cooperation and
learning. They can set an example for interfaith dialogue.”
He
called on religious leaders to “promote the universal human values and unite
under precepts common to all creeds,” and he criticised extremist intolerance
and the propagators of hate. “Too many religious leaders have stoked
intolerance, supported extremism and propagated hate. Yet we know that blaming
‘the other’ is not a political strategy for a healthy country, continent or
world,” UN Secretary General said.
Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations,
said, “I fully support your vision of religion as an enabler of respect and
reconciliation.”
Speaking
about the KAICIID, UN Secretary General said, “That the coming up of the King
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue
will bring people together based on shared faith of our common values.”
Secretary General of the
Muslim World League
Dr. Abdullah Mohsin Al-Turki
In
his address at the opening ceremony, the Secretary General of the Muslim World
League, Dr. Abdullah Mohsin Al-Turki, said, the centre was established in
response to the desire of the leaders of different faiths to cooperate for the
welfare of humanity.
Speaking
about the establishment of the KAICIID, Dr. Al-Turki mentioned, “The Custodian
of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, has placed high
priorities and has called different initiatives for dialogue and he has called
two conferences by the Muslim World League; one in the Holy City of Makkah
explaining the importance of dialogue from the Islamic perspective and the
second was the international Madrid interfaith dialogue between the followers of
different religions and cultures . This was followed by a meeting at Geneva.”
Chief Rabbi of Moscow and President of
Conference of European Rabbis,
Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt
In
his address to the opening ceremony, the Chief Rabbi of Moscow and President of
Conference of European Rabbis, Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, said, “Opening of
this centre today signifies the new beginning and a new attempt to create a
dialogue between different faiths and cultures. It can be definitely called a
historic day. We know that all the world and their institutions, organisations
meetings which are promoting interfaith dialogue.”
“But
I think that the initiative King Abdullah al-Saud, the Custodian of the Two
Holy Places to Islam, together with the governments of Austria and Spain is a
very significant indeed,” said Chief Rabbi. .
Chief
Rabbi said, “I am here today speaking as a representative of the Jewish faith
and the Jewish world that I am welcoming this very important initiative coming
from the very heart and soul, and the centre of the Islamic world, from the
centre of spiritual and worldly power combined, from the centre which is the
most important sponsor of Islamic religious life in Europe. This centre is to
open its doors to dialogue and peace with other cultures and religions in the
world.”
“A dialogue necessary now more than ever in order to make
sure that this century will not culminate in bloodshed and war, in fear and
hate, as did the last one,” Chief Rabbi said.
Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople
His All Holiness Bartholomew-1
In
his keynote speech at the opening ceremony, Ecumenical Patriarch His All
Holiness Bartholomew-1 expressed his gratitude to His Majesty King Abdullah bin
Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabian mission, treatment and initiative of establishing
this centre.
Ecumenical
Patriarch of Constantinople also said, “Today in 2012, we inaugurate this
centre in hope. We join together to develop an institution which will foster
every human being is our neighbour. This essential message reinforces the progress
of the centre and promotes interreligious dialogue.”
“This centre continues the tradition by
reaching out to people from Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism
Taoism people of all faiths and cultures. This is a momentous occasion because
of the possibilities this Centre holds to reduce conflict in the world,”
Ecumenical Patriarch said.
Bartholomew-1
said, “Perhaps this gathering is a prophetic witness to the world. This
experience of dialogue should, it must, if we transfer these ideals to the
religious local parties and every city, town and village by approaching each
other can become a reality.”
“The
opening of a Centre helped the world turn up away from violence and turn
towards mutual trust and shared holder of divinity. We look forward to the
progress which is to be made to make us move to good will; from goodwill to knowledge, and from knowledge to
understanding and from understanding to a place where we recognise the breath
of God in every human life and feel love for each individual,” said the
Ecumenical Patriarch.
Formal
Signature of KAICIID Affirmation
The
opening speeches and the keynote speech at the Ceremony were followed by the
formal Signature of the KAICIID Affirmation by the Board of Directors.
Prince
Saud al-Faisal, the Minister of Foreign affairs of Saudi Arabia, signed the
agreement for the establishment of the Centre with Austrian Vice Chancellor and
Minister for European and International Affairs Michael Spindelegger, and
Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Trinidad Jimenez, in the
presence of representatives of international organizations.
Both
the three sponsoring states, which appoint the board and approve its budget and
projects, and the board of directors, will take decisions by majority vote.
Thus
the Evening was characterized by a cordial coming together of followers of
different religions and cultures, in a shared spirit of hope and resolve. Deep
conversations with an exchange of experiences in interreligious and
intercultural matters were enjoyed by the guests. Evening attendees took great
inspiration from the potential of KAICIID and re-emphasized their commitment to
a belief in new horizons for dialogue.
Best
Practice Symposium
In
addition to the ceremonial opening of the Centre, events on that historic day
in the KAICIID journey included a Best Practice Symposium in Hilton Hotel from
morning to afternoon and afterwards a Gala Dinner, held at the Hofburg Palace.
Role
of KAICIID
The
Centre will act as a hub among followers of different religions and cultures,
empowering others already working in the field of dialogue and promoting
harmony and cooperation.
Its
Programme
The
Three-KAICIID programmes will start from January 2013 which is as follows: i) Multi-religious Collaboration for the
Survival and Wellbeing of Children, ii) The Image of the Other and iii) KAICIID
Fellows Programme.
The
centre plans to work first on improving how religions are presented in media
and schoolbooks, involving faith leaders in children’s health campaigns in poor
countries and hosting religious leaders for fellowships at its Vienna
headquarters.
KAICIID
Team
The
Board of Directors comprises high-level representatives of the major world
religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism). An Advisory
Forum of up to 100 members of other religions, cultural institutions and
international organisations will provide a further resource of interreligious
and intercultural perspective.
The
KAICIID Secretariat is headed by a Secretary General, H.E. Faisal Bin
Abdulrahman Bin Muaammar and Deputy Secretary General Mrs. Claudia
Bandion-Ortner.
The
mission of the KAICIID Centre, which is, in the words of KAICIID Secretary
General, HE Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muaammar, “A place of leadership and
applied learning,; a place where candid dialogue among followers of different
religions and culture can flourish so that we can value and cherish the
richness of our diversity and live together as good neighbours.”
No comments:
Post a Comment