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.