Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and Common Citizenship

[ 72 ] — INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE FOR PEACE — Interreligious and intercultural dialogue has become instru- mental in maintaining peace and stability in communities around the world. Religious institutions as well as religious leaders are uniquely positioned to promote social cohesion in their communities. However, the positive effects of their engagement are best multiplied through a strategic network of partners and platforms. Longterm partnership frameworks with international organizations and networks are vital to ensure global and sustainable change. Effective engagement occurs when organ- izations avoid duplication of efforts, jointlymobilize resources, share costs, and exchange best practices with one another. To that end, it is important to establish platforms which are multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder, multi-sectoral (governments, civil society, private sector, media, religious institutions) and multi-instrumental. Marginalized groups such as minorities and women also need to be given a seat at the dialogue table in order to effectively advocate for strong communities. Furthermore, faith-based and secular institutions should work hand-in-hand on addressing common concerns and values. Collaboration between these sectors is particularly key for the promotion of Agenda 2030 (the Sustainable Development Goals), and many religious leaders and pol- icymakers are already partnering on their implementation. Accordingly, the Interreligious Platform for Dialogue and Cooperation in The Arab World aligns with SDG 16 which aims to “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sus- tainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.” Platforms such as this one help coordinate the efforts of multiple actors to foster social cohesion, establish common citizenship, and nurture tolerant, pluralistic communities. “If we all join forces to implement Agenda 2030 we will achieve what you, the religious leaders, aim for” Mr. Khaled Abdel Shafi, Director of the UNDP Regional Hub in Amman As part of the UNDP Regional Hub in Amman, Mr. Shafi works to help countries achieve the simultaneous eradication of poverty and significant reduction of inequalities and exclusion. He also advocates to prevent conflict and for the peaceful transition of countries. “Religion cannot be written off, ignored or seen as a phenomenon, but in the world of policy we come to that realization very slowly and at times reluctantly” Ms. Merete Bilde, Policy Adviser, European External Action Service Ms. Bilde has worked on issues related to political aspects of Islam and cross-cultural relations. She has been involved in a number of initiatives at the cross-section of religion and politics within the EU, including issues related to freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, as well as the defamation debate. In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, her work focused heavily on the new political actors and regional dynamics at play, including between the new Middle East and the United States and Europe. Panel II — Global Partnerships for Dialogue and Promoting Social Cohesion

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