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His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, General Advisor of the Muslim Council of Elders, affirmed that the Document on Human Fraternity, launched in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2019, represents a global civilizational and humanitarian project aimed at safeguarding human dignity, promoting a culture of dialogue and coexistence, and advancing the values of peace and human fraternity among peoples.

The remarks came during an event organized by the Shamma Mohammed Council for Thought and Knowledge under the title “The Journey of Human Fraternity from Abu Dhabi to the World: Towards a Shared Human Future” held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions, and was attended by a distinguished group of intellectuals and individuals interested in humanitarian and cultural affairs.

During the event, moderated by media personality Hind Khalifat, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam reviewed the process leading to the drafting of the Document on Human Fraternity, including years of consultations and dialogue between His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late Pope Francis, former Head of the Catholic Church, as well as a number of religious and intellectual leaders. These efforts ultimately culminated in the signing of the historic document in Abu Dhabi, which has since become a global reference for promoting the values of coexistence, fraternity, and peace.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam also highlighted his book, “The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path,” which chronicles the journey of human dialogue that led to the issuance of the Document on Human Fraternity, as well as the challenges and efforts that accompanied its development. He emphasized that this experience has provided a pioneering global model for dialogue and cooperation among religions and cultures.

He noted that the remarkable success achieved by the Document on Human Fraternity is a reflection of the UAE’s visionary approach under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and its firm belief that tolerance, dialogue, and respect for diversity constitute essential pillars for building a more stable and prosperous future for humanity. He added that the UAE’s wise leadership embraced this major humanitarian initiative and provided the supportive environment necessary for it to flourish and expand from Abu Dhabi to the world, further strengthening the UAE’s position as a global capital of tolerance and coexistence and a gathering place for peacebuilders.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam explained that the Document on Human Fraternity has evolved beyond a mere declaration of principles to become a comprehensive civilizational and humanitarian project. It calls for rejecting intolerance, extremism, and hatred, while promoting a culture of dialogue and joint action among peoples and cultures, based on the belief in a shared human destiny.

At the conclusion of the event, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam stressed that investing in human development remains the true foundation for the advancement of societies. He noted that awareness and confidence are the two essential pillars for shaping the future and emphasized that strengthening younger generations’ understanding of their identity and authentic values is crucial to enabling them to engage positively with the world, contribute meaningfully to their countries’ development, and help build a more peaceful and humane future.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received Her Excellency Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, along with her accompanying delegation. During the meeting, His Eminence emphasized that artificial intelligence, without ethical safeguards, risks undermining human values, and that no scientific advancement can truly benefit humanity if it is detached from these values.

His Eminence explained that the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies raises genuine concerns about their impact on moral and human values. He noted that excessive reliance on such tools is already negatively affecting critical thinking and creativity, and has become a means of reinforcing certain negative behaviors, circumventing ethical standards, and appropriating the work of others. He warned that the absence of a governing ethical framework for artificial intelligence could lead to a future in which human dignity declines and the principles upheld by divine religions are eroded.

His Eminence further raised concerns about the future of humanity if such technologies were to be controlled by a limited few capable of influencing the fate of nations, development trajectories, and the broader future of humanity. He stressed that while scientific progress is essential and beneficial, it must not come at the expense of moral values. He stated: “The question that should concern the world today is not how far technology and artificial intelligence will advance, but rather who will regulate this advancement, on what system of values and ethics it will be based, and who will be held accountable. If ethics are absent, scientific progress itself becomes a source of danger to humanity.”

The Grand Imam also expressed his appreciation for the role played by the United Nations, under the leadership of Secretary-General António Guterres, in upholding international law, promoting justice, and confronting injustice. He affirmed Al-Azhar’s and the Muslim Council of Elders’ readiness to join any international effort aimed at ensuring that artificial intelligence is used to serve humanity rather than control it.

For her part, Her Excellency Amina Mohammed expressed her appreciation for the Grans Imam’s role in promoting the values of fraternity, coexistence, and global peace and also conveyed the greetings of the UN Secretary-General. She noted that, in recent years, the United Nations has launched extensive discussions on the governance of artificial intelligence, placing human dignity and ethical values at the center of this technology. She added that these dialogues are now being formally launched from Al-Azhar before expanding to major religious and cultural institutions around the world.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General commended the Grand Imam’s vision, which underscores the importance of preserving human dignity in the digital age. She emphasized that technology must remain a tool that serves humanity, not a means of controlling it, and that its responsible use should contribute to enhancing people’s well-being, promoting justice, and narrowing disparities between nations.

She also expressed her appreciation for the Document on Human Fraternity, signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the late Pope Francis, former Pontiff of the Catholic Church.

His Excellency Dharambeer Gokhool, President of the Republic of Mauritius, received His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Chief Advisor to the Muslim Council of Elders and Co-President of Religions for Peace, on the sidelines of the 2026 International Meeting of Religions for Peace, hosted by the Republic of Mauritius with wide participation from religious and intellectual leaders from around the world.

During the meeting, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam expressed the Council’s appreciation for Mauritius as a global model of coexistence among followers of different religions and cultures.

The meeting highlighted the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity, as well as in building bridges of trust among peoples. Discussions also addressed ways to safeguard young people from hate speech, extremism, and digital misinformation, while emphasizing the Document on Human Fraternity as a global ethical reference. The two parties also exchanged views on various ethical challenges related to artificial intelligence and underscored the importance of developing ethical frameworks to ensure that its use serves humanity while safeguarding human dignity.

For his part, the President of the Republic of Mauritius praised the efforts of the United Arab Emirates in promoting the values of tolerance and human fraternity worldwide. He also commended the role played by the Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, in advancing peace, dialogue, and coexistence. He emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation to support initiatives aimed at promoting peace and empowering young people.

The President of the Republic if Mauritius also received His Eminence Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh, a member of the Muslim Council of Elders, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, and Co-President of Religions for Peace. The meeting explored ways to strengthen interfaith dialogue and expand cooperation in promoting a culture of peace and coexistence, while underscoring the vital role of religious leaders in fostering human fraternity and enhancing mutual understanding among peoples.

For his part, Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh emphasized the importance of uniting the efforts of religious leaders in addressing shared challenges and promoting a culture of mutual respect and human solidarity, thereby contributing to the spread of peace and strengthening coexistence among followers of different religions and cultures.

The participation of the Muslim Council of Elders in the 2026 International Meeting of Religions for Peace reflects its ongoing global efforts to contribute to international discussions on the role of religious leaders in addressing global challenges in ways that safeguard human dignity, reinforce identity, and promote the values of peace, justice, and human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirmed refugees represent one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges facing the world and requires concerted international efforts to protect the millions of people who have been forced by wars, conflicts, disasters, and crises to leave their homelands in search of safety and security.

In a statement issued on World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20, the Council stressed that human dignity is an inherent right that must not be violated under any circumstances. It emphasized that protecting refugees, caring for them, and ensuring dignified living conditions constitute a humanitarian, moral, and legal obligation, grounded in the principles advocated by Islam, all divine religions, and shared human values—foremost among them compassion, solidarity, mutual support, and respect for human dignity.

The Muslim Council of Elders called on the international community to strengthen joint efforts to address the root causes of displacement and refuge, foremost among them armed conflicts, violence, extremism, and human rights violations. It also urged support for peaceful solutions to crises, thereby enabling refugees to return safely and voluntarily to their homelands and contributing to the achievement of security, stability, and sustainable development for all societies.

The Council further affirmed that the Document on Human Fraternity—signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late Pope Francis, former Head of the Catholic Church—calls for alleviating the suffering of refugees, marginalized groups, the poor, the needy, and those who have lost their homes and shelter, without discrimination or exclusion. This stems from the belief that all human beings are brothers and sisters in humanity, sharing common rights and responsibilities.

The Muslim Council of Elders also commended the humanitarian initiatives and efforts undertaken by nations, institutions, international and relief organizations, and the United Nations Refugee Agency in supporting refugees and alleviating their suffering. It emphasized that true humanitarian solidarity goes beyond merely providing basic needs; it extends to empowering refugees through access to education, healthcare, employment, and a dignified life—ensuring their humanity is preserved and safeguarding the future of coming generations.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Advisor to the Muslim Council of Elders, met in Berlin with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in the presence of former President of the European Council Charles Michel. The meeting addressed several current global issues and challenges, as well as ways to promote peace and human fraternity and strengthen dialogue among civilizations and cultures.

During the meeting, Chancellor Angela Merkel praised the efforts of the United Arab Emirates in promoting the values of dialogue, coexistence, and peace. She affirmed that His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, possesses a long-term strategic vision and has contributed to establishing the UAE as a distinguished model of development, stability, and humanitarian work. She also emphasized the pivotal role played by Egypt in enhancing stability in the Middle East.

The former German Chancellor also expressed her deep appreciation for His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, describing him as an exceptional figure characterized by openness to others and respect for cultural and civilizational diversity. She highlighted his important role in promoting dialogue and understanding among peoples. She also commended the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting peaceful coexistence and combating hatred, as well as its dialogue initiatives and the Document on Human Fraternity, which she described as a global model for human coexistence.

Merkel also praised the role of the late Pope Francis in promoting peace and fostering closer relations among peoples and cultures. She also expressed her admiration for the papal message on artificial intelligence issued by Pope Leo XIV, noting the ethical and humanitarian insights it offers to help guide technological development in the service of humanity.

For his part, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam conveyed the greetings of His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, along with his deep appreciation for Chancellor Merkel’s humanitarian positions—particularly her support for refugees and vulnerable groups—and for the inspiration she has provided to many leaders around the world. 

He further emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation to promote the values of dialogue, coexistence, and mutual understanding, and to address the challenges that threaten global peace and stability. He stressed that the world needs wise and responsible voices with clarity of vision and the courage to take principled stands, contributing to a culture of peace and building bridges of trust among peoples.

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam presented Angela Merkel with a copy of his book “The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path,”* while she presented him with a signed copy of her memoir “Freedom: Memories 1954–2021.” Both parties also affirmed the importance of continuing dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of perspectives on humanitarian and intellectual issues of mutual interest, in ways that contribute to strengthening the values of peace, understanding, and coexistence among peoples.