Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and Common Citizenship

— INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE FOR PEACE — [ 66 ] “In Myanmar, religious leaders of all faiths have played an important role in both spiritual and socio-political aspects” Venerable U Seindida, Core Member, Peaceful Myanmar Initiative Network As a Buddhist monk and member of the Peaceful Myanmar Initiative, Venerable U Seindida has worked to strengthen social cohesion in fragile communities throughout Myanmar, by equipping people with tools for effective dialogue. “Hope is not lost and the world can be a much better place if we continue to come together like this” His Royal Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the National Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs His Royal Eminence is the main spiritual leader of many of the Muslim communities in Nigeria. He works diligently to promote peace and unite religious communities against hate preachers. “In the area of humanitarian aid and mediation, religious leaders have a great responsibility in their communities and societies” Ms. Virginie Baikoua, Minister of Social Affairs and National Reconciliation in Central African Republic Ms. Baikoua is an advocate for the most vulnerable in the Central African Republic and has served as an advocate for women, as well as coordinating support services for those affected by HIV/AIDS. “Our voice is much stronger if we speak up together” Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt As spiritual leader of the Moscow Choral Synagogue; head of the rabbinical court of the Russian Commonwealth; officer of the Russian Jewish Congress; and president of the Confer- ence of European Rabbis, Rabbi Goldschmidt has advocated religious freedoms in both religious and political capacities. Former Austrian President Heinz Fischer, an honoured guest at the conference, speaks to members of the press. The president has been a valued supporter of dialogue as a way to promote mutual understanding and human rights