United Religions Initiative-Africa presented its 2018 Africa Peace Award to the International Dialogue Centre - KAICIID in recognition of the work of the organization in promoting inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue.
The award was presented on the occasion of the international conference organized by KAICIID on “Interreligious dialogue for peace: promoting peaceful coexistence and common citizenship” held in Vienna, Austria from 26-28 February 2018.
On the occasion of the handing over ceremony of the award Ambassador Mussie Hailu, URI’s Regional Director for Africa and Representative at African Union and UN office in Africa said, “URI-Africa presented its prestigious award in appreciation and acknowledgement of the work of KAICIID as intergovernmental organization in promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue in Africa and the rest of the world to prevent and resolve conflict and to enhance understanding and cooperation. The award is also in recognition of the contribution of KAICIID for reviving the African Union Interfaith Dialogue Forum in partnership with the African Union and fostering dialogue among people of different faiths and cultures that bridges animosities, reduces fear and instills mutual respect. In addition to this, the award is presented to KAICIID for creating a global hub for dialogue among followers of diverse religions and cultures to enhance peaceful co-existence, cooperation and harmony.”
After receiving the award, H.E. Mr. Faisal bin Muammar- Secretary-General of KAICIID said: “We are proud and happy to receive this international award, which reflects the Center’s prestigious international status and its achievements in implementing successful interreligious and intercultural dialogue initiatives and promoting the role of international organizations and their partnerships with the center. This award is an important recognition of our work supporting peaceful coexistence and common citizenship in Africa, especially through KAICIID-supported dialogue platforms for religious leaders and policymakers in Nigeria and the Central African Republic.”
About the Africa Peace Award
Established in 2007 by URI-Africa, the Africa Peace Award recognizes the committed, effective leadership to bring sustainable peace, development, democracy, good leadership, reconciliation and inter-religious and inter-cultural harmony and peaceful co-existence in the continent. The Africa Peace Award celebrates, acknowledges and honours the accomplishments of individuals or organizations who have exhibited extraordinary leadership to build a culture of peace, reconciliation and harmony among different religions and cultures and promote human dignity as enshrined in the universal declaration of human right. The Award helps to create role models of peace-builders throughout Africa. Ultimately, the Africa Peace Award is intended to engender a greater appreciation and support for the effective and dynamic leadership associated with building a culture of peace and harmony in Africa on a sustainable basis.
Some of the Previous recipients of the Africa Peace Award include the African Unión (AU); United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization); IGAD (Inter-Governmental Authority for Development), UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme); UNFPA, National Unity and Reconciliation Commission of Rwanda (NURC), World Pubic Forum “Dialogue of Civilization” (WPF), The Organization of African First Ladies Association against HIV/AIDS (OFLA), H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria; Rotary International, Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charity, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, H.E. Girma Wolde-Giorgis, former President of Ethiopia; H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of Liberia, H.E. Mr. Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti. H.E. Sir James Richard Mancham, Founding President of the Republic of Seychelles; H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, The President of Mauritius.
About United Religions Initiative
URI is an international, interfaith, non-governmental organization with Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and works to promote enduring daily interfaith cooperation, to end religiously-motivated violence, and to create cultures of peace, healing and justice for the Earth and all living beings. In Africa, through its 204 member organizations in 31 African countries, URI is cultivating peaceful co-existence among different religions and cultures by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities and the environment.
About the International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID
The International Dialogue Centre KAICIID is an intergovernmental organization mandated to promote the use of dialogue globally to enhance understanding, cooperation and social cohesion. The Centre fosters dialogue among people of different religions and cultures to build bridges between communities that overcome fear and animosities to instill mutual respect. In its work, the Centre supports the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in particular, the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The Centre also implements programs to overcome all forms of discrimination based on culture, religion or belief. KAICIID work is the continuation of a journey to fulfill a vision to bring together religious leaders and governmental representatives in a sustained dialogue for peace.
May Peace Prevail on Earth.
