NEWS

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.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirms that hate speech, intolerance, and discrimination constitute some of the most serious challenges facing societies, as they lead to division and fragmentation, fuel conflicts, and undermine the values of coexistence, tolerance, and mutual respect.

In a statement issued on the occasion of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, observed annually on June 18, the Muslim Council of Elders states that Islam, as well as all divine religions, call for safeguarding human dignity, respecting diversity, and fostering understanding among peoples and cultures, while rejecting all forms of hatred, racism, and exclusion.

The Muslim Council of Elders warns of the growing spread of hate speech across digital platforms and social media, often accompanied by misinformation, distortion, and incitement campaigns. It calls for concerted efforts to strengthen ethical responsibility in the digital sphere and to develop legislative, educational, and media frameworks that contribute to curbing this phenomenon and protecting societies from its harmful consequences.

The Muslim Council of Elders has been making extensive efforts to counter hate speech and extremism through a range of leading initiatives. Foremost among these are East–West dialogue, International Peace Convoys, the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, student dialogue programs for human fraternity, and the “100 Questions” project. In addition, the Council organizes numerous conferences and issues a wide range of publications focused on confronting extremist ideologies, correcting misconceptions, promoting a culture of dialogue, understanding, coexistence, tolerance, and peace, and raising awareness about the dangers of rhetoric that incites or justifies hatred.

The Muslim Council of Elders further emphasizes that the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the late His Holiness Pope Francis, former head of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, represents an important human reference point in countering hate speech, extremism, and intolerance. It also reinforces the values of citizenship, coexistence, solidarity, respect for others, and cooperation for the good of humanity. The document affirms that religions have never been a cause of wars and conflicts, nor a source of hatred, hostility, or extremism, and calls for ending the misuse of religion in inciting violence, hatred, and blind fanaticism, while working together to promote the values of tolerance, coexistence, and peace.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, extends its sincere congratulations to the Arab and Islamic nations, as well as to Muslims around the world, on the occasion of the New Hijri Year 1448 AH. The Council prays to Almighty Allah to return this blessed occasion to all humanity with goodness, prosperity, and blessings, and to make it a year marked by greater security, peace, stability, and compassion.

The Council affirms that the noble Prophetic Hijrah will always remain a profound spiritual and human milestone in the history of the Muslim nation. It embodies great lessons in patience, perseverance, love of one’s homeland, and reliance on Allah while taking practical means. It also reflects the foundations of building a society rooted in the values of mercy, justice, and fraternity. Furthermore, it serves as an inspiring model for moving from challenges to opportunities for building, progress, and hope, while reinforcing the values of solidarity, cooperation, and coexistence.

On this blessed occasion, the Muslim Council of Elders calls for drawing inspiration from the meanings of the Prophetic Hijrah in our contemporary reality, strengthening the values of tolerance and human fraternity, and intensifying joint efforts to promote peace, reinforce stability, and uphold dignity. The Council prays to Almighty Allah to make this new Hijri year a year of goodness, security, and prosperity for the Arab and Islamic nations and for all humanity.

On the International Day Against Child Labour – Muslim Council of Elders: Providing Education, Care, and a Dignified Life for Children Is the Cornerstone of Building Stable and Prosperous Societies

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, affirmed that protecting children from economic exploitation and all forms of abuse is a shared moral and humanitarian responsibility. It requires the concerted efforts of governments, international organizations, and local communities to ensure that all children enjoy their fundamental rights to education, care, protection, and healthy development in a safe and dignified environment.

In a statement on the International Day Against Child Labour, observed annually on 12 June, the Council emphasized that child labour is not only a violation of children’s rights and human dignity, but also deprives millions of children around the world of opportunities for education and personal development. It further exposes them to physical, psychological, and social risks, the consequences of which may extend into their future and the future of their communities.

The Council noted that the tolerant teachings of Islam, along with all divine religions and international conventions and laws, call for safeguarding human dignity and ensuring the protection and care of children. These frameworks emphasize the importance of providing a suitable environment for children’s upbringing, education, and development, enabling them to contribute positively to their societies and nations. The Council also called for strengthening international efforts aimed at eliminating child labour and addressing its underlying economic and social causes, thereby contributing to a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for coming generations.

The Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, alongside the late Pope Francis, former Pontiff of the Catholic Church, affirms that children’s fundamental rights—to family upbringing, nutrition, education, and care—are both a duty and a moral responsibility shared by families and society. These rights must be guaranteed, protected, and never denied to any child, anywhere. Any practice that undermines children’s dignity or violates their rights must be firmly condemned.

The Muslim Council of Elders also reiterates that true investment in the future of humanity begins with protecting and empowering children. Providing them with education, care, and a dignified life is the cornerstone of building stable and prosperous societies grounded in security, peace, and sustainable development.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has affirmed that protecting the environment and preserving natural resources are shared moral and humanitarian responsibilities that require concerted international efforts to address growing environmental challenges and secure a more sustainable future for generations to come.

In a statement marking World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, the Muslim Council of Elders emphasized that Islam, along with all divine laws, calls for the stewardship and flourishing of the Earth and forbids corruption and destruction within it. These teachings promote the values of moderation and responsibility in the use of natural resources, helping to achieve a balance between the demands of development and the preservation of the environment.
The statement highlighted the importance of raising environmental awareness and supporting initiatives aimed at tackling climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. It stressed that environmental protection is no longer merely a local or regional concern, but a global responsibility that requires effective international cooperation, sustainable partnerships, and collective action at every level.

The Muslim Council of Elders has made significant efforts to strengthen the role of religious leaders and faith communities in addressing global challenges, particularly environmental and climate-related issues. In this regard, the Council organized the Global Faith Leaders’ Summit on Climate Action. The summit resulted in the issuance of the Confluence of Conscience: Uniting for Planetary Resurgence”, also known as “The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for COP28”. The statement was endorsed by more than 30 prominent religious leaders from around the world, including His Eminence Prof. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis.

The Council also organized the Faith Pavilion during COP28 in the United Arab Emirates and COP29 in the Republic of Azerbaijan—the first initiative of its kind in the history of the UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs). The pavilion helped highlight the vital role of religions and ethical values in supporting international efforts to protect the environment and combat climate change.

The Muslim Council of Elders renews its affirmation that caring for the environment and safeguarding its natural resources are integral to humanity’s responsibility toward itself, its communities, and future generations. The Council calls for continued collective action to protect our planet and preserve the future of humankind.

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has affirmed that fostering a culture of living together in peace is among the most essential means of building stable, cohesive societies capable of confronting hate speech, intolerance, and violence. The Council emphasized that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but rather a comprehensive framework grounded in mutual respect, the preservation of human dignity, and the promotion of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence.

In a statement issued on the International Day of Living Together in Peace, observed annually on May 16, the Council stressed that the world is now in urgent need of a comprehensive strategy to promote a culture of understanding and rapprochement among peoples, religions, and cultures. It also underscored the importance of advancing the values of human fraternity, solidarity, and cooperation, particularly in light of the ongoing crises, wars, and conflicts worldwide, as well as the rising tide of hate speech, racism, and extremism—trends that threaten societal security and stability and undermine prospects for peace and sustainable development.

The Council further noted that Islam, along with all divine religions, seeks to instill the values of mercy, peace, and mutual understanding among humanity. It called on religious, educational, media, and cultural institutions to fulfill their responsibilities in fostering a human-centered awareness that promotes acceptance of others and respect for diversity, while countering attempts to sow division and discord. The Council affirmed that genuine investment in the future of humanity begins with nurturing individuals who are capable of positive coexistence and contributing to the advancement of peace.

Since its establishment in Abu Dhabi in 2014, the Muslim Council of Elders has played a pivotal role in promoting peace and advancing the values of dialogue, tolerance, fraternity, mutual understanding, and rapprochement among religions and cultures. This has been achieved through pioneering initiatives such as “East–West Dialogue” and the “International Peace Convoys,” which culminated in the historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019. In addition, the Council has launched numerous programs and initiatives, most notably the “Emerging Peacemakers Forum” and the “Human Fraternity Fellowship,” alongside intellectual publications and international conferences that contribute to strengthening dialogue, coexistence, and citizenship, while countering extremist ideologies and hate speech.