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The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has affirmed that the twelfth anniversary of its establishment marks an important milestone and an opportunity to renew its commitment to advancing its global mission of promoting dialogue, fostering the values of human fraternity, strengthening the unity of the Muslim world, spreading a culture of peace and coexistence, correcting misconceptions, combating hate speech, intolerance, extremism, and Islamophobia, and reinforcing the role of religious leaders in addressing contemporary humanitarian and intellectual challenges. This mission is guided by a firm belief that dialogue remains the most effective pathway toward building a more secure, just, and stable future.

In a statement marking the occasion, the Council noted that since its establishment in Abu Dhabi on 19 July 2014, it has succeeded in establishing itself as one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to dialogue and the promotion of human coexistence. This achievement has been realized through a comprehensive framework of pioneering initiatives, international conferences and forums, landmark reference documents, and strategic partnerships whose impact has extended across continents, helping to promote tolerance and build bridges of trust and understanding among peoples and cultures.

The Council highlighted a number of pioneering initiatives launched throughout its journey, including the East-West Dialogue Initiative, International Peace Convoys, the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, the Global Student Dialogues Program, the Ethical Education Fellowship Program for Children, the Human Fraternity Majlis, the Interfaith Alliance for Development and Peace, the Bridges We Build Initiative, and the Ramadan Delegations Program for promoting enlightened and moderate Islamic thought. The Council also organized the Faith Pavilion at the COP28 and COP29 climate conferences, strengthening the role of religious leaders as active partners in addressing global challenges.

The Council further noted that its journey has been marked by the organization of several prominent international conferences and forums, foremost among them the Global Conference on Human Fraternity, the Global Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate Action, the Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference held in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the Global East-West Dialogue Initiative. These efforts were complemented by numerous international conferences and seminars addressing peace, citizenship, diversity, coexistence, and respect for others, all of which have contributed to deepening dialogue and fostering closer ties among peoples and faith communities.

The Council emphasized that its intellectual efforts have led to the launch of several influential global reference documents, most notably the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, A Call of Conscience: The Abu Dhabi Joint Statement of Religious Leaders for Climate, The Twenty Principles: Media Guidelines for Promoting Human Fraternity, and The Call of Ahl Al-Qibla, in addition to other landmark declarations and reference documents that have strengthened dialogue, human fraternity, and shared moral responsibility in addressing contemporary challenges.

The Council also highlighted its active participation in major international forums dedicated to dialogue, peace, sustainable development, artificial intelligence, climate action, and freedom of religion or belief. Through close partnerships with the United Nations and its agencies, the Holy See, numerous religious institutions, international organizations, universities, and think tanks, the Council has further consolidated its position as a global platform for dialogue and peacebuilding.

At the same time, the Council has continued to champion the causes of the Muslim world, defend the rights of peoples, promote the unity of the Islamic world, combat terrorism and extremism, counter hate speech and offenses against religious sanctities, advocate respect for state sovereignty, protect civilians, and encourage dialogue and peaceful solutions, while maintaining its steadfast support for humanitarian causes.

The Council has also expanded its global presence through its regional offices in Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan, which serve as platforms for promoting moderation and coexistence and for strengthening cooperation with religious, academic, and cultural institutions.

In the cultural and intellectual sphere, the Council has continued, through Al Hokama Publishing, to enrich Arab, Islamic, and global libraries with dozens of intellectual and cultural publications. It has also participated in leading regional and international book fairs, contributing to the dissemination of enlightened Islamic thought, the promotion of moderation and coexistence, and the strengthening of its role as a leading knowledge platform that supports dialogue and awareness-building.

The Muslim Council of Elders expressed its deep appreciation for the continuous support it has received since its inception from the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The Council noted that this support has played a pivotal role in enabling it to fulfill its global mission, expand its initiatives and international partnerships, and strengthen its presence at major international forums. It has also reinforced the UAE’s position as a global center for dialogue, tolerance, and human fraternity, and as a leading model in supporting initiatives that promote peace and coexistence among peoples.

The members and leadership of Muslim Council of Elders also expressed their profound appreciation to His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Council, in recognition of his tireless service to Islam, Muslims, and humanity, as well as his enlightened vision, which has strengthened the Council’s mission, enhanced its international standing, and established it as one of the world’s foremost platforms advocating dialogue, peace, and human fraternity. His leadership has earned the Council significant intellectual and moral influence at both regional and international levels.

The Muslim Council of Elders also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its global mission and working alongside partners around the world to further develop its initiatives and programs, expand its international partnerships, and amplify the voice of wisdom and moderation. Through these efforts, the Council seeks to advance human fraternity, safeguard human dignity, strengthen the values of dialogue and cooperation, and contribute to building a more secure, peaceful, just, and prosperous world.

As a partner of the ITU AI for Good Global Summit 2026, the Muslim Council of Elders, in cooperation with Globethics, organized a high-level panel discussion titled “AI as a Global Common Good: What Do Religious and Industry Leaders Think?” in Geneva, Switzerland, on 8 July 2026. The event marked the first initiative of its kind in the history of the Summit, bringing together religious leaders and technology industry pioneers to examine the ethical and humanitarian implications of artificial intelligence and explore how shared values can help guide its development and deployment in the service of humanity and the common good.

The session brought together religious leaders, technology experts, ethics scholars, and industry representatives to explore how ethical principles and shared human values can guide the responsible development and governance of artificial intelligence. 

Moderated by Dr. Fadi Daou, Executive Director of Globethics, the discussion focused on safeguarding human dignity, strengthening accountability, fostering trust, and ensuring that artificial intelligence remains a tool that serves humanity and the common good. Participants emphasized the need for deeper cooperation among religious institutions, the technology sector, policymakers, and international organizations to help shape a more inclusive and human-centered future for AI.

Alessandra Sala, Chair of the AI and Multimedia Authenticity Standards Collaboration, highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between values and business practice. She noted that companies are guided by core values and that ethical principles must be translated into practical actions and business models. She stressed that organizations are more likely to embrace ethical AI when they recognize that responsible practices generate value, trust, and long-term benefits for both businesses and society.

Dr. Brian Patrick Green, Director of Technology Ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University and representative of the Vatican, emphasized that the future of AI depends on a deeper understanding of what it means to be human. He argued that no single discipline, institution, or tradition holds a monopoly on truth and that effective AI governance requires drawing upon diverse sources of knowledge and wisdom. He also warned against “ethics washing,” stressing that dialogue between technology companies and religious leaders must result in meaningful action rather than symbolic commitments, and that all stakeholders must exercise responsible human agency in shaping the future of AI.

Dr. Chinmay Pandya, Global Interfaith Leader and Pro-Vice Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (DSVV), underscored the importance of integrating spiritual and moral wisdom into discussions on artificial intelligence. He observed that AI is already shaping critical sectors of society, including healthcare, education, governance, and public life, making ethical guidance more necessary than ever. He stressed that while technology can reveal what humanity is capable of doing, faith and spirituality help determine what humanity ought to do. He further emphasized that decisions relating to human dignity, freedom, and moral responsibility should not be delegated entirely to machines and called for collective stewardship of AI informed by both technological expertise and ethical wisdom.

Rim Belhassine Cherif, Chair of the Network of Women in ITU-T and Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer at Tunisie Télécom, stressed that AI should serve people and improve their lives. She highlighted the importance of keeping human dignity, trust, and inclusion at the center of technological development and emphasized the responsibility of telecommunications operators to ensure that AI creates value for society as a whole. She also underscored the importance of international standards in translating ethical principles into practical implementation and called for greater diversity in AI development, noting that the success of AI should ultimately be measured by its contribution to building a more connected, inclusive, and human-centered society.

Participants emphasized that religions are essential partners in shaping the ethical frameworks that govern artificial intelligence, given the values-based and humanitarian principles they offer in safeguarding human dignity, promoting ethical responsibility, and reinforcing shared human values.

They also stressed that dialogue between religious leaders and technology industry pioneers should go beyond the exchange of ideas and perspectives and evolve into practical partnerships and implementable initiatives. Participants highlighted the need for religious leaders to play a more active role in offering their perspectives on the impact of technology on individuals and societies, thereby helping to guide innovation toward serving humanity and advancing the common good.

Participants further called for greater involvement of women and youth in the global dialogue on artificial intelligence, recognizing them as key partners in shaping the future of technology. They emphasized that diversity and inclusion are fundamental pillars of a more just and human-centered global framework for AI governance.

At the conclusion of the session, participants agreed that building a responsible future for artificial intelligence requires a global partnership that brings together governments, international organizations, the private sector, academia, civil society institutions, and religious leaders. Such collaboration, they noted, is essential to ensuring that humanity remains at the center of technological progress and that ethical principles are translated into practical policies and actions, making artificial intelligence a global public good that serves humanity and promotes sustainable development.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating in the inaugural edition of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, organized by the United Nations on July 6–7, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland. The event brings together government leaders, UN officials, representatives of the private sector, academia, and civil society organizations to strengthen international cooperation and explore global frameworks for the governance of artificial intelligence.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Chief Advisor of the Muslim Council of Elders, emphasized that humanity is at a pivotal moment in its history—one that requires the establishment of a global framework for AI governance based on the principles of justice, responsibility, transparency, and the protection of human dignity. Such a framework, he noted, must ensure that human beings remain both the centerpiece and ultimate purpose of scientific and technological progress, while enabling AI applications to contribute to development, peace, and human prosperity.

Judge Abdelsalam added that the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, continues—working in partnership with Al-Azhar and international stakeholders—its efforts to strengthen the ethical dimension of artificial intelligence. These efforts include advancing the development of a Global Charter for the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, based on the conviction that scientific and technological progress can achieve its humanitarian objectives only when grounded in a shared ethical and value-based framework, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for promoting peace, justice, and human flourishing.

The participation of the Muslim Council of Elders stems from its mission to promote shared human and ethical values and to support international efforts aimed at ensuring that artificial intelligence technologies are employed in ways that serve humanity, safeguard human dignity, and advance peace and sustainable development.

Established pursuant to a United Nations General Assembly resolution, the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance serves as an inclusive international platform designed to foster international cooperation, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and promote an open, transparent, and inclusive dialogue on the future of AI governance. The initiative seeks to ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence are shared by all countries and peoples and that global governance frameworks reflect the priorities of all nations—not only those with the most advanced technological capabilities.

The Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance is being held alongside the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026 and the AI for Good Global Summit, reinforcing international efforts to build a more equitable, inclusive, and human-centered digital future.

The Muslim Council of Elders’ participation in the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance in Geneva featured a series of meetings and discussions with international, UN, and religious leaders. These engagements focused on the importance of strengthening international cooperation, promoting shared human values, and supporting efforts to build a more peaceful and united world amid rapidly evolving global challenges. The Council’s participation reflects the intellectual and humanitarian vision championed by His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to advance the values of dialogue, peace, and human fraternity worldwide.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders, met with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization and a member of the judging committee of the 2025 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity; Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization; Anda Filip, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; a number of ambassadors and permanent representatives to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva; along with Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches.

During these meetings, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam highlighted the mission of the Muslim Council of Elders and its efforts to promote dialogue among religions and cultures and advance the values of human fraternity, coexistence, and peace. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to building effective international partnerships that contribute to addressing humanitarian challenges and translating shared values into practical initiatives that serve humanity and safeguard human dignity.

He also noted that the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, launched in Abu Dhabi, has become a global platform celebrating inspiring humanitarian efforts and promoting the values of fraternity, coexistence, and mutual understanding among peoples. International leaders praised the award’s growing global stature as an independent recognition of humanitarian initiatives and efforts that advance shared human values. They emphasized that the award’s international prominence reflects the increasing need for such initiatives at a time when the world faces multiple conflicts and crises, helping to build a more peaceful and humane future for humanity.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam also discussed with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus the importance of strengthening the role of interfaith and intercultural dialogue in supporting peacebuilding efforts. He stressed that peace is both a humanitarian and moral imperative that enables health and humanitarian institutions to fulfill their mission of protecting lives and preserving human dignity, particularly amid wars and conflicts whose consequences are borne most heavily by innocent civilians and vulnerable communities. In this context, the Director-General of the World Health Organization praised the leading role played by the United Arab Emirates in promoting the values of tolerance and human fraternity and supporting WHO efforts to address global health challenges and respond to humanitarian crises.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam also met with Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, to discuss prospects for cooperation between the Muslim Council of Elders and the World Council of Churches. The discussions focused on strengthening joint efforts to combat hate speech and extremism and building bridges of trust and understanding among followers of different religions and cultures. Rev. Dr. Pillay emphasized the importance of the UAE model in promoting the values of human fraternity and interreligious and intercultural dialogue, describing it as an inspiring example of advancing coexistence and peace.

The meeting also highlighted the urgent need for religious leaders and international institutions to join forces in strengthening human solidarity in the face of global crises and placing human beings and their dignity at the center of international priorities. Such an approach would help ensure that scientific and technological progress—particularly in the field of artificial intelligence—remains dedicated to serving humanity and advancing the common good.

These meetings form part of the Muslim Council of Elders’ ongoing efforts to expand its international engagement, strengthen partnerships with UN, religious, and intellectual institutions, support pathways of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, and promote the values of human fraternity, peace, and coexistence.