Nostra Aetate - In Our Time

V The International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) is an international organisation with the mission of promot- ing dialogue to help people to understand and respect different religions and cultures. The Centre works to counteract discrimination and resolve conflict. It is the first intergovernmental organisation that teams up policymakers and religious representatives to encourage dialogue between people who may never meet or enjoy mutual trust, and to talk through their problems, especially if there is a cultural or religious issue at stake. The governing Board of Directors comprises repre- sentatives of five major religions representing about 80% of the world’s believers and thus offers the international community a unique asset. Through its networks, the Centre has access to reli- gious communities around the world. Combined with the support of the member governments, the Centre can convene influential stakeholders who usually never meet or collaborate, yet have many goals and methods in common. This collaboration between religious and sec- ular leadership can create new, more inclusive solutions. The Centre takes no side in any conflict since it is inclusive of all religions, yet not bound to any single faith or denomination. By promoting dialogue, the Centre helps communities to build peace and harmonious societies. To achieve this, the Centre fosters cooperation between diverse religious communities to close the divisions created when religion is manipulated to engender fear and hatred. Our vision is a world in which there is respect, under- standing and cooperation among people; justice, peace and reconciliation; and an end to the abuse of religion to justify repression, violence and conflict. Our roles v We help create the platforms, knowledge, and com- mitment that foster interreligious dialogue (IRD) in conflict areas v We support international and national institutions in using IRD to work for positive change v We convene religious leaders, policy makers and other stakeholders to engage in IRD v We create and disseminate knowledge on IRD to help achieve peace and reconciliation. What we do We promote IRD to help find sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges and conflict situations, work- ing in three priority areas: v Applying IRD for peace and reconciliation in four designated conflict situations – Central African Republic, Iraq/Syria, Nigeria, and Myanmar v Capacity-building efforts, which aim to empower religious leaders to become active peacemakers in communities experiencing conflict and division v Working to advocate on behalf of IRD with inter- national organisations, policy makers and other stakeholders. About the International Dialogue Centre The KAICIID Board of Directors comprises prominent representatives from five world religions – Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism