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The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the 33rd Annual International Law and Religion Symposium, organized by the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at the J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University (BYU), in the United States, from 4 to 6 October 2026. The symposium brought together religious leaders, intellectuals, academics, and experts from around the world.

During a session entitled “Respect Among Followers of Different Faiths in a Religiously Diverse World,” Mr. Mohamed Bahr, Director of Strategic Planning at the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that the question is no longer limited to how followers of different religions can be encouraged to respect one another, but rather how societies and institutions can be built in which people of different faiths and cultures work together to help shape the future of humanity. He noted that religious diversity does not require abandoning one’s convictions or principles; rather, it is grounded in respect for the dignity of others, their right to exist, and a shared responsibility toward humanity and society.

He added that religions, with their moral values and ethical principles, as well as the extensive societal experience accumulated by their institutions over centuries, can play an effective role in shaping responses to future challenges, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, climate change, and technology ethics. He stressed the importance of enhancing the presence of religious leaders, figures, and institutions in international discussions in order to contribute to shaping the global agenda and the ethical foundations of policies related to shared challenges and issues.

Bahr also underscored the importance of fostering the concept of “intellectual respect” among followers of different religions and cultures as a means of promoting appreciation for diversity, pluralism, and differences, while helping to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions within societies. He highlighted the Muslim Council of Elders’ strategy for promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence, as well as its efforts to counter hate speech and extremism and correct misconceptions.

He further noted that the Council works to translate this vision into action by strengthening relationships and partnerships among religious leaders, figures, and institutions, and by linking religious engagement to global issues and challenges through religious diplomacy, the Faith Pavilion at the UN Climate Conferences (COP), and participation in international initiatives focused on artificial intelligence, technology, and human dignity.

Mr. Bahr affirmed that, since its establishment in 2014, the Muslim Council of Elders has worked to transform the values of human fraternity into sustainable cooperation and institutional partnerships, inspired by the principles enshrined in the historic Document on Human Fraternity, signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late His Holiness Pope Francis, former Head of the Catholic Church. These efforts have helped strengthen the role of followers of different religions and cultures in building peace and serving humanity.

The session also featured Nigel Coke, Director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and Sufra Dev Kar, a human rights activist from Bangladesh. It was moderated by Neil Lindberg, Senior Fellow at the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University.

On the sidelines of the symposium, Mohamed Bahr held a dialogue with a number of Brigham Young University students studying Arabic language and Middle East studies. The discussion focused on the importance of dialogue among followers of different religions and cultures in promoting understanding and coexistence, the role of youth in building bridges of communication, respect for cultural and religious diversity, and confronting stereotypes and hate speech, all of which contribute to building more cohesive and peaceful societies.

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders: Teachers Are the Foundation of Values, the Shapers of Awareness, and the Builders of Generations Capable of Contributing to the Progress of Their Nations and the Service of Humanity

The Muslim Council of Elders affirms that teachers are the cornerstone of human development, playing a vital role in shaping the awareness of future generations and building the future of societies. Through their noble mission, teachers not only impart knowledge and learning but also instill values and ethics, while fostering critical thinking, dialogue, and respect for diversity.

In a statement marking World Teachers’ Day, observed annually on 5 October, the Council noted that Islam places great value on knowledge and elevates the status of scholars and educators, regarding the pursuit of knowledge as a pathway to the advancement of both individuals and societies. As Almighty Allah says: “Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge by degrees”. The Council emphasized that the teacher’s mission is a profound trust and responsibility, given their role in shaping minds, nurturing character, instilling values, and preparing generations capable of contributing to the progress of their societies and the service of humanity.

In this regard, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, affirmed that teachers are the architects of future generations, laying the foundation of moral values in the hearts and minds of students and instilling in them the principles of goodness, responsibility, and respect for others. He stressed that the role of teachers extends far beyond the transmission of knowledge; it encompasses character building, shaping awareness, and preparing enlightened generations capable of contributing to the advancement and prosperity of their nations and to the service of humanity.

The statement further noted that education is one of the most effective means of building awareness and confronting ignorance, intolerance, hatred, and extremism. Teachers play a pivotal role in instilling the values of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and respect for human diversity in younger generations, while fostering a sense of responsibility and respect for human dignity. Such efforts help safeguard societies against extremist ideologies and strengthen their capacity for understanding, coexistence, and peacebuilding.

The Muslim Council of Elders calls for enhanced international efforts to support and empower teachers, provide them with an enabling educational environment, and ensure their continuous professional development to keep pace with rapid advancements in knowledge and technology. The Council also stresses the importance of guaranteeing access to quality and equitable education for all, particularly in communities affected by wars, conflicts, and crises, affirming that investing in teachers and education is, ultimately, an investment in humanity and in a future that is more secure, stable, peaceful, and conducive to coexistence.