Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and Common Citizenship

[ 105 ] — CLOSING CEREMONY — might not be aware of the efforts of the centres and con- ferences in working on peaceful coexistence and dialogue. We all know that these centres of dialogue and confer- ences do not have a magical recipe for the solution to ethnic, religious, racial and other conflicts around the world, even though they are well aware of the imperative to find this solution. Today, we have centres such as KAICIID, that have achieved deeper dialogue between religions and cultures. Having had the honour of joining KAICIID’s first Board of Directors, I saw then what a great and practical impact the Centre’s efforts have in disseminating a culture of awareness about the necessity of dialogue, especially in our times. These are times where we find the parties on the extreme right increasing their membership, and where we find extremists gaining more influence, with a consequently neg- ative impact on societies. That is why centres like KAICIID take one step after the other, just as in the English adage: “Slowly but surely.” Now, my experience with KAICIID has also enhanced my conviction that centres for dialogue and conferences for peaceful coexistence are undoubtedly a necessity in our times — a necessity in order to find solutions and stop the fires of religious, ethnic, and racial conflict. Dr. Hamad Al Majed Faculty member, Imam Muhammad Bin Saud University Career Summary v Faculty member of education at the Imam Muhammad Bin Saud University, Riyadh v Founding Member of the National Society for Human Rights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia v Director General of the Islamic Culture Centre, London (1996–2001) v Chief Editor of Islamic Quarterly magazine, London (1996–2001) v Chairperson of the British Muslims’ Heritage Centre board of trustees. Dr. Al-Majed’s positions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia demonstrate his commitment to dialogue —bringing people together, elaborating on mutual understanding and the avoidance of violence among religious groups. He is convinced of the importance of dialogue between various groups in the education system. y first encounters with the value and purpose of interfaith dialogue started within the vast expanse of India, where religion and faith have coexisted for a long, long time. I recall an incident when I was 19, at a medical school in India, and I was called out for having been absent from class for around nine days. My professor asked the reason for the absence. I explained that I was attending an international youth conference. When he heard the words: international youth conference, the professor said: “Very Good.” But quickly after, came a reprimand. He asked: “What kind of conference was it?” I replied that it was an interfaith youth conference. He looked at me and said: “You should do this when you are 60. Now is the time to study. Now is the time Dr. Kezevino Aram M My experience has enhanced my conviction that centres of dialogue and conferences for peaceful coexistence are undoubtedly a necessity in our times