Witnesses of Mercy for Peace and Reconciliation

I The International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) is an international organization 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 transform conflict. It is the first intergovernmental organization 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 Founding States of the Centre – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Austria and Kingdom of Spain, with the Holy See as a Founding Observer – constitute the Council of Parties responsible for overseeing the work of the Centre. The governing Board of Directors com- prises representatives of five major religions, representing approximately 80 per cent of the world’s followers of religions, and is thus a unique asset to the international community. The Advisory Forum, comprising influen- tial leaders from major religions as well as religious and cultural institutions and communities representing more than 20 countries, supports the activities of the Board of Directors and advises on the Centre’s programmes. Through its networks, the Centre has access to reli- gious communities around the world. Combined with the support of the member governments, the Centre promotes collaboration between religious and secular leadership that 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 commitment 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, policymakers 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 four priority areas: v Applying IRD for peace and reconciliation in four designated conflict situations in the Arab region with a focus on Iraq/Syria, Central African Republic, Myanmar and Nigeria 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 organizations, policymakers and other stakeholders v Offering, through the Dialogue Knowledge Hub, a virtual platform with resources for the field of dialogue worldwide. About the International Dialogue Centre The KAICIID Board of Directors comprises prominent representatives from five world religions – Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism