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The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the Media Forum organized by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Broadcasting Union, in cooperation with the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority, under the theme “Experiences and Applications of Artificial Intelligence.” The event brought together a distinguished group of media leaders, experts, and specialists from across the Islamic world.

Representatives of the Muslim Council of Elders highlighted the Council’s efforts in promoting responsible media that advances the values of tolerance and human fraternity, as well as its leading initiatives in dialogue and coexistence. They also showcased projects aimed at empowering youth and strengthening an informed media culture rooted in respect for diversity and countering hate speech.

During its intervention, the Council emphasized the importance of using artificial intelligence ethically and humanely, in a way that enhances media content, supports social peace, and prevents the misuse of technology for spreading extremism, hatred, or misinformation. The Council also referenced its ongoing initiative, the “AI Ethics Charter,” developed in cooperation with the Vatican and Al-Azhar.

The forum honored the Muslim Council of Elders with an Excellence Shield in recognition of its active role in promoting dialogue and tolerance, and its significant contributions to employing media for the advancement of shared human values.

The participation of the Muslim Council of Elders in this important media event reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the presence of human-centered discourse in global media, and to building effective partnerships with leading media institutions across the Islamic world, in support of its mission to promote peace and foster a culture of coexistence.

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the 19th edition of the Al Burda Award ceremony, held at the Louvre Abu Dhabi and organized by the UAE Ministry of Culture, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam affirmed that the Al Burda Award represents a prestigious cultural and intellectual platform that elevates the value of Islamic arts and reflects the United Arab Emirates’ vision in entrenching values of diversity, mutual respect, and cultural openness. He praised the event for providing a global space for dialogue and cultural exchange, bringing together poets, artists, and calligraphers from various countries around the world.

He added that such important initiatives contribute to deepening human bonds and building bridges of understanding among peoples, aligning with the Muslim Council of Elders’ mission to promote peace and coexistence.

This year’s edition was held under the theme “Social Cohesion and Unity,” in line with the UAE’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community. The ceremony featured inspiring cultural and artistic performances, including the announcement of winners in the fields of Arabic calligraphy, poetry, and ornamentation, in addition to Islamic music performances that blended classical traditions with contemporary creativity.

The ceremony was attended by a number of ministers, senior officials, diplomats, as well as prominent cultural figures.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, extends his sincerest congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said and to the brotherly people of the Sultanate of Oman on the occasion of the Sultanate’s 55th National Day.

His Eminence affirms the depth of the fraternal ties with the people of Oman, praying to Almighty God to continue to bless the sisterly Sultanate of Oman with security, prosperity, progress, and stability.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirmed that protecting children’s rights is a religious, moral, and human imperative that contributes to building more stable, just, and peaceful societies. The Council stressed that investing in children is an investment in the future of nations, emphasizing the need for collective international and community efforts to safeguard the security, safety, and well-being of children everywhere.

In a statement marking World Children’s Day, observed annually on 20 November, the Council highlighted that children form the foundation of every society, and that safeguarding their rights is a shared responsibility. This includes ensuring their full access to education, healthcare, and protection from violence and neglect. The Council underscored the importance of providing a safe, balanced environment that nurtures children’s abilities and helps develop personalities capable of contributing positively to society.

The Muslim Council of Elders also noted the pivotal role of the family in instilling moral and human values in children, and in reinforcing the principles of compassion, dialogue, and mutual respect. It called for intensified efforts to protect children affected by conflict, disasters, and poverty, and to provide them with the necessary support to guarantee a dignified life and fair opportunities for learning and development. This aligns with the principles of the historic Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the late Pope Francis, former Head of the Catholic Church, which places human dignity and the right to a safe life at the forefront of priorities.

The Muslim Council of Elders places significant emphasis on children and youth through its programs and initiatives aimed at promoting the values of human fraternity and peaceful coexistence. These include supporting educational and developmental initiatives that cultivate the principles of compassion, cooperation, and respect for others, protect young people from extremist ideologies and hatred, and empower them to contribute positively to building fairer and more equitable societies.

The Muslim Council of Elders, at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, received H.E. Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of the Culture and Arts Development Fund in the Republic of Uzbekistan, where they discussed ways to enhance cooperation in reviving the legacy of the scholars of the ummah, promoting the values of tolerance and mutual respect, and preparing a generation of young people capable of building coexistence and peace.

During the meeting, H.E. Counselor Mohamed Abdel Salam expressed the Council’s appreciation for the efforts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in promoting the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence, and in preserving Islamic heritage—particularly in cities of historic importance to Islamic civilization such as Bukhara and Samarkand, which are home to a rich intellectual and spiritual legacy left by leading scholars of the ummah, foremost among them Imam Al-Bukhari.

For her part, H.E. Gayane Umerova praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, in promoting enlightened, centrist Islamic thought in East and Central Asia, as an influential civilizational and spiritual hub in the Muslim world. She affirmed her country’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with the Council in initiatives that serve young people and entrench shared human values.

The two sides discussed a number of initiatives of common interest, foremost among them cooperation in developing an educational programme for children and adolescents to instill in them the values of respect, moderation, and balance, as well as cooperation in organizing the next edition of the Youth Peacemakers Forum—one of the key initiatives of the Muslim Council of Elders aimed at preparing a generation of young people capable of spreading a culture of dialogue and respect for others.

They also touched on several projects designed to revive the legacy of Muslim scholars and highlight their contributions, in a way that strengthens the connection of new generations with this intellectual and ethical heritage and helps consolidate a shared civilizational identity.

The meeting was attended by H.E. Abdulaziz Okulov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the United Arab Emirates.

The Muslim Council of Elders hosted at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi a delegation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, representing the United States of America, the Middle East, and North Africa. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in interfaith dialogue and to entrench values of peace, understanding, and societal harmony.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam affirmed that the Muslim Council of Elders—under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar—places particular emphasis on building bridges of communication among religious leaders worldwide. This commitment aligns with the principles of the historic Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity, which serves as a comprehensive global framework for promoting dialogue and coexistence.

For their part, the delegation praised the positive image of Islam projected by the United Arab Emirates through its pioneering efforts to advance tolerance, respect for religious and cultural diversity, and pluralism, establishing the UAE as an inspiring global model for dialogue, coexistence, and peace. They also expressed deep appreciation for the Muslim Council of Elders’ global role in fostering peace and mutual understanding across religions and cultures, highlighting the Council’s pioneering initiatives worldwide in support of human fraternity and in combating hate speech. They also conveyed their pride in the visit paid by a Muslim Council of Elders delegation to Utah last September, during which meetings were held with Church leaders, as well as with religious, academic, and government figures in the American state. 

Discussions also explored prospective joint initiatives and projects, particularly in the fields of interfaith dialogue, the ethical use of artificial intelligence, and youth empowerment which are to be developed in the coming period, while aiming to promote tolerance, mutual respect, and a more peaceful and stable world.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, mourns with profound sorrow the victims of the horrific accident that occurred on Monday morning near Medina, claiming the lives of 40 Indian pilgrims.

His Eminence expresses his sincere condolences to the families of the victims who ascended to Almighty Allah as a result of this tragic incident, praying to the Almighty to envelop them all in His vast mercy and forgiveness, grant their families and loved ones patience and solace, and bestow a speedy recovery upon the injured.

“Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.”

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, extends warm congratulations to Adama Dieng, Special Advisor to the Council and former Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, on winning the “African Personality of the Year 2025” award, which is granted by the Kemet Boutros Ghali Foundation for Peace and Knowledge in recognition of his distinguished career and pioneering role in promoting peace, justice, and human rights—particularly his outstanding efforts in Rwanda during his work to halt civil wars and prevent the recurrence of genocide, as well as his contributions to the African continent in transitional justice and peacebuilding.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam expressed the Muslim Council of Elders’ pride in this honor, affirming that Adama Dieng is one of the most prominent African and international figures who has dedicated his life to confronting genocide, defending human values, and supporting dialogue and reconciliation. He noted that Dieng’s extensive contributions—whether during his tenure at the United Nations or through his current efforts with the Council—represent a qualitative addition to global peacebuilding pathways.

He added that the Muslim Council of Elders takes pride in Dieng’s contributions and sincere efforts in supporting the dialogue and coexistence initiatives led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. These initiatives have had a significant impact in raising global awareness of the dangers of hate speech and incitement, while emphasizing the necessity of joint action to protect vulnerable communities and prevent crimes of genocide.

Judge Abdelsalam pointed out that Dieng’s remarks during the ceremony—praising the role of Al-Azhar and His Eminence the Grand Imam, and highlighting the significant contribution of the historic Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity signed by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the late Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019—played an important role in confronting extremism and violence and entrenching a culture of coexistence among peoples. Additionally, Dieng’s call to strengthen early warning systems and prevent humanitarian disasters reflects a mature vision and extensive experience that underscores the global need for greater cooperation among religious, intellectual, and human rights institutions to spread values of peace and human coexistence.

He concluded by affirming that the Muslim Council of Elders, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, will continue—alongside its partners—to support all efforts aimed at promoting peace, combating hate speech, and entrenching values of human fraternity across the African continent and around the world.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the seventh edition of the National Festival of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates, organized by the UAE’s Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence under the theme “Hand in Hand.” The event is taking place at Umm Al Emarat Park from November 14 to 16.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ pavilion features a variety of events and activities, including programs tailored for children and youth aimed at instilling values of tolerance and coexistence in younger generations. It also includes introductory activities highlighting the Council’s mission and its global initiatives to promote human fraternity and dialogue among followers of different religions and cultures.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam expressed the Muslim Council of Elders’ appreciation—under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar—for the significant efforts led by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence under His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, in spreading and reinforcing values of tolerance and coexistence locally, regionally, and globally. He affirmed that the United Arab Emirates represents a leading global model in entrenching a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity.

He added that the seventh edition of the National Festival of Tolerance reflects the UAE’s commitment to mobilizing efforts toward enhancing values of dialogue and peace, noting that the festival has become a national and global platform that elevates the importance of coexistence and diversity while presenting an Emirati model to emulate in promoting societal harmony.

Judge Abdelsalam noted that the Muslim Council of Elders’ participation aligns with its commitment to fostering direct communication with the public and spreading values of human fraternity using innovative, interactive methods suitable for all age groups. This is consistent with the Council’s mission to build a more peaceful and understanding world, support joint efforts to entrench a culture of peace, and enhance initiatives for coexistence in the region and beyond.

The Muslim Council of Elders received at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi a high-level delegation from the Malaysian Catholic Church, comprising a number of religious leaders representing various religions in Malaysia. The meeting aimed to enhance dialogue among followers of religions and build bridges of understanding and joint cooperation.

During the meeting, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam affirmed that the Council, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, places great emphasis on promoting communication among religious leaders worldwide. This supports the values of human fraternity and entrenches a culture of coexistence and peace established by the historic Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the late Pope Francis, former Pontiff of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The document has sparked a global movement resulting in numerous inspiring efforts and initiatives to spread values of dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity.

He also emphasized that diversity is a divine law, and wisdom lies in coexisting together in peace, security, and mutual respect. This is called for by the teachings of the noble Islamic faith and all heavenly religions, which affirm that the other is either a brother in religion or a peer in creation. He praised the efforts of the United Arab Emirates and its representation as a leading model in promoting and advancing values of fraternity, coexistence, and tolerance globally.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a number of joint initiatives and programs in the fields of interfaith dialogue, cooperation to enhance societal peace, confronting hate speech and fanaticism, as well as highlighting successful experiences in religious diversity and positive coexistence. They also expressed their profound admiration for the inspiring initiatives they witnessed during their visit to the United Arab Emirates, which reflect a firm belief in the values of dialogue, coexistence, and human fraternity.

Members of the Malaysian delegation expressed their appreciation for the global role played by the Muslim Council of Elders in spreading values of peace and understanding among peoples, affirming their anticipation to strengthen joint cooperation and benefit from the initiatives led by the Council in areas related to youth and promoting human fraternity values.

The meeting comes as part of the Muslim Council of Elders’ efforts to enhance dialogue among followers of religions, exchange experiences, and open new horizons for constructive cooperation, contributing to entrenching societal peace and solidifying human relations among different cultures.