In Partnership with the University Platform for Research on Islam “PLURIEL" TRENDS Organizes a Webinar Entitled "Challenges of Global Fraternity"

Trends Research and Advisory held a virtual symposium which emphasized the significance of dialogue among cultures and religions. This interaction shall strengthen global fraternity, promote peace and understanding in our contemporary world.

The participants stressed that the "Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity". advocates world peace and coexistence. It calls understanding between different cultures, and fraternity between people, much needed in todays world.

The speakers indicated that the world today is running through profound transformations in the structure of international relations. This situation shall affect the opportunities of the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity. This requires new approaches and joint cooperative effort to overcome challenges and achieve the Document’s goals in a more tolerant world.

The discussion was part of web seminar organized by TRENDS Research and Advisory, in cooperation with the University Platform for the Study of Islam and in the World. This a preliminary seminar for the Fourth International Conference of PLURIEL, scheduled to be held between the two sides in February 2024 in Abu Dhabi on "Islam and Fraternity".

Dr. Wael Saleh, an expert in political Islam at TRENDS Research and Advisory, stressed in a paper on the opportunities and challenges of human fraternity. He presented a geopolitical analysis and a different theoretical proposal. He explained that the Human Fraternity Document plays an important role in achieving coexistence between different cultures.

Dr. Saleh indicated that the picture is even darker because our contemporary world has gradually shifted from a state of "globalization" to a state that can be called a "buffered world". This transition happened through multiple factors that include geographical, economic, digital, civilizational and mental needs.

He expressed his hope that his approaches will contribute to that approach in a positive way, through a geopolitical reading of the most important determinants of opportunities and challenges posed by the current context of our world to the ideals of the document of human fraternity and the application of its principles on the ground. He also hoped for a new theorical approaches through which we can overcome traditional approaches that perpetuate the obstacles to a true human fraternity and active dialogue between human beings.

Father Laurent Bassanesi, of the Gregorian University of Rome, addressed the issue of adopting a culture of dialogue as an alternative path, joint cooperation as a viable way and mutual engagement as a possible approach. Bassanesi stressed that human fraternity is "a fundamental value of religion and humanity."

Father Bassanesi said that the realization of the principles of human fraternity requires the commitment of religious and political leaders, who must pursue a culture of dialogue, mutual cooperation and the knowledge transfer. There are many challenges facing the global human fraternity. They include intolerance, hatred and social injustice. He indicated that these challenges can be overcome through joint action to build a more tolerant and peaceful world.

Franziska Honsowitz-Friessnigg, Director of the Department for Scientific Cooperation and Intercultural and Dialogue between Cultures and Religions at the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented a paper entitled "The Document on Human Fraternity: An Austrian Perspective".

The paper focused on the importance of intercultural and interfaith dialogue to promote universal fraternity. Austria is "committed to promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue through its foreign policy and domestic programs," she added.

The symposium was opened and concluded by researcher Sultan Majid Al-Ali, Director of the Barometer Department at TRENDS Research and Advisory. He stressed the importance of the Abu Dhabi Human Fraternity Document as a framework for achieving global fraternity.

Dr. Michel Younes, coordinator member of PLURIEL (University Research Platform on Islam in Europe, Dean of the Faculty of Religious Studies at the Catholic University of Lyon, France, stressed the importance of the Document on Human Fraternity as a call for dialogue and cooperation between the believers in different religions. He said the Document is a practical framework for peace and harmony in the world. He explained the objectives of the Fourth International Conference of PLURIEL, which will be held from February 22 - 24, 2023 in Abu Dhabi. The conference will focus on three main areas of analysis: socio-legal perspective, geopolitical perspective, and theology and dialogue.