KAICIID - Global Hub on Dialogue

Participants’ Point of View-1

KAICIID: Global Hub on Dialogue

for all organisations

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) was opened at the Hofburg Palace, Vienna, on Monday, the 26^th of November, 2012, in the presence of a global audience of almost 800 guests, including ambassadors, government representatives, religious leaders, academics and scholars.

Though the centre is the brainchild of King Abdullah, it is established in Vienna, Austria; and Saudi Arabia, Spain and Austria signed the agreement for 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 represented on the board, which, according to the treaty, must have three Christians, three Muslims, a Jew, a Hindu and a Buddhist.

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 aspect of the centre is that although launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and named after King Abdullah, “about 70 percent of the world’s religions are on its board. The centre will be a neutral place to exchange ideas,” said HE Faisal bin Muaammar, Secretary General of KAICIID.

Participants’ Point of View

In the evening of the Inauguration ceremony of KAICIID at Hofburg Palace, Vienna, on 26^th November, 2012, most of the leaders of different religions of the world; representatives from the Churches of Christianity, representatives of the Jewish communities with all their backgrounds from the East and the West, the Hindus and the Buddhists; the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Vatican representative Cardinal Tauran, representative from the King of Spain and the President of Austria, three Foreign Ministers of the three founding states, Saudi Arabia, Austria and Spain were at the opening ceremony.

I had the opportunity to interview participants at the opening ceremony of KAICIID and enquire their point of view about the Centre. While interviewing, I had tried my level best to give wide representation in my interview from the religious, regional and continental perspective.

Timothy Margaritis, Greek Orthodox Patriarch

Timothy Margaritis, who is representing the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, said, “Certainly every movement that brings people together and used this togetherness in order to promote understanding among people love and cooperation and friendship is welcome by all religions. So we strongly support this movement.”

Mr. Rao Vithal of the Arya Samaj

“The religious people, those who believe in God, in the essence of moral values, in human values should move togetherly; this moving togetherly is the only solution; conflict is not the solution,” said Mr. Rao Vithal of the Arya Samaj, came from Hyderabad, India.

Dr. William F. Vendley, the Secretary General

of the Religions for Peace

Religion for Peace is a large multi-religious organisation which has affiliates in 90 countries. Dr. William F. Vendley, the Secretary General of the Religions for Peace, who have been doing this work since 1990, said, “I believe this initiative is right; the timing is right; the process to advance this is very proper and it takes the deeply wise committed leadership of His Majesty who has dedicated this to the service of human kind. We are all for it, because it is all for us. So I have strong passionate appreciation and personally doing all that I can to support this initiative.”

Dr. Nick Carter is the President of Andover Newton

Theological School, Boston

Dr. Nick Carter, the President of Andover Newton Theological School, Boston Massachusetts, said, “I am very encouraged. There are experiments in the interreligious and intercultural dialogue around the world; but we don’t have a network; we know each other; one at a time, two at a time; but we don’t have an opportunity to share our research and our insights and I am encouraged that the centre would be a place where the sharing can take place.” “The centre can provide both a clearing house for us and a platform for learning and we look at that,” he added.

Dr. Fahad Sultan Al-Sultan, the Deputy of the

Secretary General of KAICIID

Dr. Fahad Sultan Al-Sultan, the Deputy of the Secretary General of KAICIID, said, “We hope this centre can be like hub for all the organisations, centres and programmes to come together because we do not like to duplicate our efforts; but we are working to the same goals. So we should work together on this.”

“We should encourage every country every, society and government to form dialogue; we are willing to work with everybody; we are working for a goal, for a cause, for a good cause;” said Dr. Fahad.

Dr. Fahad also mentioned that King Abdullah is also calling for dialogue between sexes in the Islamic world.

Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian

Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, who represented Roman Catholic, said, “All these gatherings, dialogues, seminars and initiatives would be fruitful if we can disseminate  to the people, in the heart of the people, what we are talking about and what we are all about. We need to cultivate a new kind of culture, cultural dialogue of understanding each other and listening to understand each other.”

Rev. Dr. Marcus Braybrooke, President of the

World Council of Faiths

Rev. Dr. Marcus Braybrooke, the President of the World Council of Faiths, a retired Anglican Parish Priest, Church of England Clergyman. He has been involved in interfaith work for over forty years. For some time we set up international interfaith centre in Oxford but that was more on small scale. He is optimistic of this Centre, KAICIID, because, “This centre is something very much grandest scale and the good thing is it is involving the government at the top level. I think it is also related to United Nations and so on.”

“We want the United Nations to take seriously the role of religion,” Dr. Braybrooke said and added, “Religion is clearly and highly significant in the world.”

Launch of Islamophobia Awareness Month

Launch of Islamophobia Awareness Month

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Islamophobia Awareness Month was launched on Friday, 2^nd of November, 2012 at London Muslim Centre by prominent British organisations and campaigners to deconstruct and challenge some of the stereotypes about Islam and Muslims. Leading commentators and politicians, including human rights Lawyer Imran Khan, Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn, academic and journalist Myriam-Francois-Cerrah as well as UNITE the Union’s Steve Hart addressed themes around Islamophobia.

Human Rights Lawyer

Imran Khan

Imran Khan said, “Anti-Muslim attitudes are directed against people believed to be of Muslim faith or generally against Islam as a religion, regardless of whether those affected are actually religious and which branch of Islam they belong to.”

“In more recent years and, particularly since the events of 9/11 and 7/7, attention has very much focussed on Muslims. The agenda set has been one that is distinctly anti-Muslim,” said Khan.

Human Rights lawyer Khan said, “The response to 9/11 and 7/7 by leaders in the US and UK and the ensuing reporting in our media has inexorably led to a rise in anti-Muslim feeling in our society which might be termed “institutionalised discrimination” based upon the institutional practices of the state and its organisations which leads to discriminatory practices against those of the Muslim faith. It is this process of discrimination which is probably the most pernicious in its effect because, by its very nature, it has the sanction of the state and the blessing of society and can be evidenced in a number of ways.

Imran Khan, Human Rights lawyer, was speaking on Islamophobia and the Law. He mentioned, “By the way of example, in 2009/10, 36,928 racially and religiously aggravated offences were recorded by the police in England and Wales.  In December 2008 there were 9,975 Muslim prisoners in England and Wales, equivalent to12% of the prison population. This represented a considerable increase on the 5% in 1994 and 8% in 2004 and was more than four times the proportion of professing Muslims at the 2001 census.”

“Ministry of Justice statistics showed ‘stop and account’ powers were used on 2,353,918 occasions in 2006/7, up a quarter from 1,601,196 in 2006/7. There were twice as many stops and searches of Asian people per head of population than of white people. When concerns were raised about this disproportionality Hazel Blears, then a Government Minister, said that British Muslims should accept as a ‘reality’ that people of Islamic appearance are more likely to be stopped and searched by police,” Khan said.

Finally, Human Rights lawyer Khan quoted Anas Altikri, Chief Executive of the Cordoba Foundation, who said: “Islamophobia is a tragic reality and a test to the West’s claim to upholding the most noble of human values. Already, we have failed when allowing laws to pass prohibiting Muslim women from dressing as they wish in France and building their mosques in a particular aesthetic form similarly to other places of worship in Switzerland. It is a phenomenon that will, if allowed to spread unabated, leave none unaffected. It was true in the case of anti-Jewish and anti-Black attacks in the last century, and it will prove true if anti-Muslim sentiments are given free reign to expand today.”

Supt. Robert Reavill

Supt. Robert Reavill, Partnerships, Tower Hamlets Police, said, “We deal with Islamophobia within the context of hate crime. Complains are investigated by a dedicated team of officers. Criminal offence was given priority whatever the race or ethnicity, gender, disability, age, sexuality, religion - actual or perceived by the victim. We shave seen threat of the EDL on the borough and it causes concerns the causes to the community.

Mr. Reavill said it is the time for the communities to work together. He said the community cohesion is very very important.

Speaking about the Tower Hamlets Borough, Mr. Reavill said, this is a very very diverse borough.

Lindsey German

Stop the War Coalition

Lindsey German, Stop the War Coalition, said to me in an interview, “The war on terror which begun in 2001 really created the present mood of Islamophobia; when you bombed on a countries which are largely Muslim countries then you have to demonise the people where you are bombing and at the same time as we talk about terrorism among Muslims, we are conducting terror attacks with drone in Pakistan and Afghanistan and we are creating a situation where more and more people around the world have grievances against, grievance against the United States and other countries in the world.”

“And if we want to end that, we have to campaign not just against the wars but against Islamophobia as well. Also Islamophobia does not come from the Far Right but it comes from the government, it comes from the police, it comes from the whole attitudes in society. The attitudes to Muslims are somehow inferior. We have to campaign against that as well,” said German.

Jeremy Corbyn

Labour MP

Jeremy Corbyn, Labour MP for Islington North, said to me in an interview, “I am delighted to support this campaign against Islamophobia and for cohesive society recognises all faiths and respects for all faiths. Because what I have noticed over the past eleven years ever since the problem of 9/11 and the war on Afghanistan has been a gross Islamophobia in the popular press and this then leads on to unemployment, leads on to discrimination, and leads on to brutality and that allows quite  discriminatory anti-terror laws passed in this country. So tonight what I am saying tonight is that Islam is a part of the British society; it’s a part of normal life and it’s a faith that can be respected and recognised and supported we are here to demonstrate that tonight.”

“I remember couple of weeks ago Babar Ahmad and Syed Talha Ahsan were deported to the United States to face charges which will never put in British court and they were not in any sense prosecuted in Britain. Gary McKinnon few days later was not deported to the USA. Again, the US tried to extradite, the British government refused. I think everyone else can draw their conclusion from that decision,” mentioned Labour MP Corbyn.

Lutfur Rahman

Mayor Tower Hamlets

Lutfur Rahman, an independent executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets and has been Councillors for 10 years, said, “I regularly get described as an ‘extremist’. I get depicted as being part of a supposed Islamist conspiracy to ‘Talibanise Tower Hamlets’. My administration gets depicted as being one that panders to homophobic and anti-Semitic views. There is not a single shred of evidence to substantiate these claims.”

Tower Hamlets Mayor mentioned, “I am not alone in being subject to this kind of treatment. Labour’s Sadiq Khan, the Shadow Justice Secretary, was accused of holding ‘extremist’ views after he called for a ‘more independent foreign policy’. Labour Peer Lord Ahmed found himself being branded an ‘extremist’ and suspended from the party. When former Conservative Party Chairperson Sayeeda Warsi was appointed to the Conservative frontbench in 2007 some of her own colleagues said her appointment was ‘the wrong signal at a time when Britain is fighting a global war against Islamic terrorism and extremism’.”

“I don’t doubt there are genuine violent extremists out there and it is right that they are monitored,” said Tower Hamlets Mayor and added, “But it is wrong and dangerous to lump all of us who express political opinions via the democratic process and those who support sectarian hate and advocate violence.

Speaking about the role of journalists, Mayor Rahman said, “It is a reality that there are a small but powerful group of journalists who see Islam and Muslims as alien, hostile and threatening. When the Daily Mail’s Melanie Phillips refers to ‘fifth column in our midst’ we all know who she is talking about. And when the Spectator’s Douglas Murray says ‘conditions for Muslims in Europe must be made harder across the board’, we know exactly what he is talking about.”

Mr. Rahman also mentioned, “Islamophobia is real. It needs to be exposed and challenged. And events like Islamophobia Awareness Week are very important to that end.

But there is a good sign that the preachers of hatred were pushed to the margin in the Tower Hamlets Borough. “Those who preach hatred, against whatever community, have consistently been pushed to the margins in this borough. I am inspired by our residents findings that the number of residents from different backgrounds who state they get on well together has risen year on year and now stands at 78%,” mentioned Mayor of Tower Hamlets.

“Islamophobia is the latest form of attack on this borough’s multicultural identity,” said Mayor Rahman. But he emphasized, “There is no place for hate in Tower Hamlets. There is no place for hate against people on the basis of sexual identity. There is no place for hate on the basis of racial identity. There is no place for hate on the basis of religious identity. We are one Tower Hamlets. And we are not going to let the preachers of hate, wherever they comes from, divide us.”

Sahar Alfaifi

Wales chair of FOSIS,

Sahar Alfaifi, Wales chair of the Federation of Students Islamic Societies, started saying, “As a niqabi  (face veil), a Muslim female with a face veil the first things that comes to most people mind that I am oppressed, that I am uneducated, passive, isolated behind closed doors and not integrated within the British society. This is how the media portrayed me; this is how the tabloids see me and now not only that this is also how some high-profile politicians and leaders think of me. All these are contributing to the old and new phenomenon Islamophobia.”

She emphasized by saying, “No. I am not oppressed. I am highly educated. I am actually scientist, active individual and well-integrated within the British society. Fortunately, we are living in times of remarkable complacency as well as rising the new racism.”

“Racism is now called Islamophobia, spreading across Europe and UK that is manifesting different forms and shapes from vilifying mosques, attacking Muslims, marginalising the Muslim as individual, as a society and also as an organisation,” Ms Alfaifi said.

Ms. Alfaifi also mentioned, “Islamophobia is also reaching university campuses. Years ago, a Muslim brother was tapped in City University and many sisters including me faced verbal, written and physical abuses from pulling off hijab, the headscarf, to calling them names such as terrorists, bombers, and the list goes on.”

She also mentioned, “Islamophobia becomes after-talk dinner as has been described before and now actually generated and explained away. It also not becomes limited to the right-wing political activists, but also politicians and organisations from all sorts as well as governmental sectors.”

“Institutional racism and Islamophobia is expanding and now reaching the justice and administrative sector by extraditing recently Babar Ahmad and Syed Talha Ahsan but not Gary McKinnon and their rights as British citizen has been denied,” said Alfaifi. .

Wales chair of FOSIS maintained, “Britain is living example of a country of democracy, human rights, mutual respect and tolerance. We have to work hard individually as well as collectively to maintain these values of freedom, justice and tolerance; because today Muslims who are attacked are never know who will be attacked tomorrow. These attacks cannot be justified.”

“Whether you agree or disagree with the Muslim faith or people, whether you agree or disagree with the niqab or face veil, there is one thing that I hope, we all agree on that niqab or any act of worship is not a culture, is not a tradition, it is actually an act of worship like many others and here I truly really believe them,” said Ms. Alfaifi..

Speaking on niqab or face veil which she was wearing, Ms Sahar Alfaifi emphasized by saying, “No one actually has got the right to force it on me, neither no one has got the right to take it off me. I pray as a Muslim and British and more specifically Welsh and there is no conflict or antagonism between these three identities.”

The Islamophobia Awareness Month was spearheaded by the Enough Coalition Against Islamophobia, The Muslim Council of Britain and ENGAGE and other partners.

KAICIID -Vision Turns into Visible Reality

Journey to KAICIID

Vision Turns into Visible Reality

Dr. Mozammel Haque

This is a journey that has taken many years, from its beginning as the personal vision of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to the Official Inauguration of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) in 2012.

The Journey to the establishment of King Abdullah International Dialogue Centre followed on from a series of groundbreaking, historic meetings, which included the meeting at the Vatican between the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Pope Benedict XVI; The World International Islamic Conference in Makkah, Saudi Arabia; The World Conference on Dialogue in Madrid, Spain; the address by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to the UN General Assembly in New York and the World Conference on Dialogue in Vienna, Austria.

The Journey to KAICIID has progressed through three stages of development, that may be characterised as i) Building the concept; ii) Taking it to the world; and iii) Implementation.

1. THE BUILDING THE CONCEPT

i) Meeting with Pope Benedict XVI on 6^th November 2007

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah met with Pope Benedict XVI in a historic visit to the Vatican, to share his idea and to engage with the Holy See in a unique initiative and commitment to interfaith dialogue. During this historic visit on 6^th of November 2007, King Abdullah shared his idea for an ‘initiative for Interfaith Dialogue’ to His Holiness who indicated his willingness to support the initiative.

During this historic meeting at the Vatican, The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI called for interfaith and intercultural dialogue among followers of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and “for the promotion of peace, justice and spiritual and moral values, especially in support of the family.”

The meeting sent a clear message that followers of Christianity and Islam should overcome their minor differences and focus on the common values and principles they share.

ii) International Islamic Conference for Dialogue

in Makkah on 4^th June 2008

This period also provided an opportunity for King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to set forth his principles and vision for dialogue within Islam as a starting point.

The Custodian for Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, opened the International Islamic Conference for Dialogue at the Royal Safa Palace in Makkah, the city that is regarded as the heart of Islam.

This now famous initiative by the Custodian for Two Holy Mosques, organised by the Muslim World League, brought together over 500 of the most influential scholars, academics and organisation leaders in the Muslim world to debate issues, to counter challenges of rigidity, ignorance and narrow-mindedness and with a goal of making the world better acquainted with the kind message of Islam. As the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques said in his address, “We are the voice of justice and human moral values, the voice of rational and just co-existence and dialogue, the voice of wisdom and admonition and argumentation with the best way possible.”

The initiative gained additional support and momentum when the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques made a further call for dialogue by Muslims with the followers of other religions and cultures, as a means of respecting the other. The statement by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques also sought to establish a common ground of respect among all peoples of the world.

The conference concluded with a call to different Islamic organisations to do more in terms of cooperation and coordination to advance dialogue and to make it serve the interests of humanity. A specific recommendation was to establish a King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Intercultural Dialogue, with the aim of promoting a culture of dialogue.

So the participants at the International Islamic Conference for Dialogue in Makkah urged Muslims to attempt to establish dialogue with other religions and cultures and to strive for peaceful coexistence with others. It was here at Makkah that the idea of establishing a dedicated International Dialogue Centre with a view to disseminating the culture of dialogue, was first publicly highlighted in this way.

2. TAKING IT TO THE WORLD

i) International Conference for Dialogue

in Madrid on 16^th -18^th July, 2008

Following up on the Makkah Conference, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques invited attendees to engage in and promote dialogue as the means to achieve peace and reconciliation and to achieve the betterment of humanity.

Three-day World Conference on Dialogue organised by the Muslim World League in Madrid during 16^th-18^th July, 2008, was hosted by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and by King Juan Carlos I of Spain. Nearly 300 delegates including followers of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism as well as followers of other religions and cultures, along with scholars and researchers, attended this World Conference on Dialogue in Madrid to discuss common issues facing Mankind.

In his opening address the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz declared that he was bringing a message from the Islamic world, representing its scholars and thinkers who had recently met; the message declared that Islam was a religion of moderation and tolerance. This was a message calling for constructive dialogue among followers of religions, a message that promised to open a new page for humanity in which – God willing – concord would replace conflict.

The Conference focused on the common denominators that unite Mankind, namely, deep faith in God, noble principles, and the lofty moral values that constitute the essence of faith. Conference delegates also discussed terrorism as the major obstacle to dialogue and coexistence, requiring international efforts to deal with it in a serious, responsible and just manner.

The final declaration of the Conference rejected the notion of the so-called “Clash of Civilisation” and warned against the danger of campaigns seeking to deepen conflicts and destabilise peace and security. It also affirmed that “Dialogue is one of the most important means for knowing each other.”

This Conference concluded with several commitments including that of forming a workgroup and for joint action aimed at overcoming obstacles standing in the way of dialogue. The Conference also urged the UN General Assembly to support its recommendations and called for a special UN Session on dialogue.

ii) Plenary High-level Meeting at the UN General

Assembly, New York, on 12^th-13^th November, 2008

Following the adoption of the Madrid Declaration, the United Nations General Assembly convened a plenary, high-level meeting on 12^th-13^th November, 2008, under item 45, “Culture of Peace” to discuss interreligious dialogue.

This meeting took note of the initiative and the speech delivered by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the World Conference on Dialogue held in Madrid under his patronage and hosted by the King and Government of Spain. The General Assembly reiterated its call for promoting a culture of tolerance and mutual understanding through dialogue, and for supporting the initiatives of religious leaders, civil society and states seeking to entrench a Culture of Peace, understanding, tolerance and respect for human rights among the proponents of various faiths, cultures and civilisations.

Concerned about serious instances of intolerance, discrimination, hatred expressions and harassment of minority religious communities of all faiths, participating states underlined the importance of promoting dialogue, understanding and tolerance among human beings, as well as respect for all their diverse religions, cultures and beliefs. Participating states affirmed their rejection of the use of religion to justify the killing of innocent people and actions of terrorism, violence and coercion, which directly contradict the commitment of all religions to peace, justice and equality.

Participating states also expressed their commitment to strengthening and supporting existing mechanisms within the UN for promoting tolerance and human rights, preserving the institution of the family, protecting the environment, spreading education, eradicating poverty and fighting drug abuse, crime and terrorism, noting the positive role of religions, beliefs and moral humanitarian principles in tackling these challenges.  

3. IMPLEMENTATION

The vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques was now becoming manifest in the hearts of those religious scholars and others who were beginning to understand the possibilities of new horizon in dialogue. 

The aspiration has since required that concepts, ideals, hope and vision be underpinned by hard work and by practical steps and activities, in order to turn the Dream originated by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques into a tangible, visible Reality. Conference at Vienna and at Geneva played a significant role in converting lofty ideas into a viable project, with subsequent development of the legal, political and interreligious and intercultural understandings forming the basis for a worthy and meaningful proposition.

i) World Interreligious Dialogue Follow up Conference

in Vienna on 13^th-14^th July, 2009

The Muslim World League, continued the initiative of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and arranged a World Conference on Dialogue in Vienna on 13^th-14^th July, 2009. The meeting added to the previous discussions at Madrid and at the UN General Assembly in New York and took measures to provide an effective way forward.

Three resolutions were adopted. The World Conference on Dialogue unanimously supported the intention of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques which was to establish an international centre for interreligious dialogue. Consequently, a Preparatory Working Group (PWG) was established. It comprised representatives from the Muslim, Christian and Jewish religions and the President of the International Peace Institute (IPI) was appointed as the convener. The PWG was set up in consultation with the representatives of the Muslim World League as well as the representatives of the other world religions who were present in Vienna.

The PWG was to make recommendations for the composition of a Steering Committee comprised of named representatives from the other world religions present at the conference with a Hindu and Buddhist representation to be invited after the conference. The Steering Committee’s mandate was to present detailed proposals for the establishment of an institution to work as an international centre for interreligious dialogue – including its mission, organisation, governing structure, terms of reference and other elements – by the end of the year.

ii) Interfaith Conference in Geneva on

30^th September-1^st October, 2009

Maintaining the momentum of the previous meetings an interfaith conference, organised by the Muslim World League (MWL) was held in Geneva, Switzerland between 30^th September and 1^st October, 2009 which attracted 150 religious and academic figures representing different religions and cultures from nearly 40 countries. The Conference called on the leaders of all faiths and civilisations in the world to reflect further and to interact with the initiative by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques about the use of dialogue as a means to “uphold human values, establish justice, promote cooperation, protect human rights, preserve the family and end conflicts.”

The Interfaith conference reviewed the existing relationships among the various human civilisations, and stressed the importance of addressing the profound misunderstandings that disturb their normal course. The Conference concluded that religions are not the source of crises that disturb intercultural relations, even if sometimes some people tend to define them as such; differences stem from conflicts of interests and the predominance of selfish interests.

The Conference called on the concerned States and relevant institutions to implement international conventions, especially the United Nations resolutions and principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The final Communiqué enshrined three main topics, which were:

iii) Signing of the Agreement for the Establishment

of the Centre in Vienna on 13^th October 2011

A major milestone was made on 13^th October 2011 in Vienna when the three founding states, comprising the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Austria and the Kingdom of Spain signed the Agreement for the Establishment of KAICIID. The Holy See whose representative attended the Signing Ceremony also supported the Agreement.

Vienna has been chosen as the location for KAICIID because of its reputation as an international city and its long history of proven interreligious acceptance.

iv) Preparatory Commission Established

in Vienna on 23^rd April, 2012

The Conference of the States Signatories of the Founding Agreement met in Madrid on 23^rd of April, 2012 and established a Preparatory Commission for the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue. Its ourpose was to work toward the establishment of the Centre and to lay the groundwork for the implementation of the objectives of the Founding Agreement.

At its first meeting, the Preparatory Commission established an Interim Secretariat, appointed H.E. Faisal Bin Abdulrahman Bin Muaammar as Interim Secretary General and Ms. Claudia Bandion-Ortner as Deputy Secretary General, elected the members of the Interim Board of Directors and adopted its Rules of Procedure.

v) Agreement enters into Force in

Vienna on 21^st October 2012

The Agreement for the Establishment of the King Abdullah bin Abdulziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue entered into force, on 21^st of October, 2012, in Vienna, sixty days after the deposit of the instruments of ratification by all parties having signed the Agreement. The Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria serves as Depository for the Founding Agreement.

vii) First Meeting of the Council of Parties

in Vienna on 31^st October, 2012

The Council of Parties, consisting of the representatives of the three Founding States of the Centre convened for its first session on 31^st October 2012 in Vienna. The Council took over from the Preparatory Commission for the Establishment of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre to complete the necessary preparatory work for the establishment of the Centre.

In its first meeting, the Council of Parties admitted the Holy See as a Founding Observer. The Council of Parties also appointed H.E. Faisal Bin Abdulrahman Bin Muaammar as Secretary General and Her Excellency Claudia Bandion-Ortner as Deputy Secretary General of the Centre. The members of the Board of Directors were also elected.

viii) The Inauguration Ceremony of the King Abdullah

 Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious

and Intercultural Dialogue in Vienna on 26^th November, 2012

The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) was officially opened on 26^th November, 2012 at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna.

With the establishment of KAICIID in Vienna, the dream of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz turns into visible reality and a new chapter of global international dialogue begins.

Courtesy: KAICIID

KAICIID opens in Vienna: A Historic Day

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 26^th 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.”