Wilton Park, an esteemed forum for international dialogue, organized a high-level event titled “The Role and Responsibility of Religious Leaders in Times of War, Atrocities and Polarisation” from February 17–19, 2025, in the United Kingdom. The event gathered religious leaders, policymakers, and global experts to explore how faith communities can address escalating conflicts, hate speech, and division worldwide. H.E. Adama Dieng, Special Adviser to the Muslim Council of Elders, delivered powerful introductory remarks, urging a redefinition of faith-policy collaboration amidst global turmoil.
During his speech, Dieng questioned, “Is there a need for a reset in the relationship between faith actors and policymakers?” He pointed to hotbeds of tension, battlefields and deadly attacks while underscoring the urgency of religious leadership. Drawing on interfaith values, he cited the Noble Qur’an—“Believers are brothers. Establish harmony between your brothers, and fear Allah, so that you may be shown mercy” (Alhujurât, verse 10).
Highlighting practical successes, Dieng also praised the Faith Pavilion at COP 28 and 29 in Dubai and Baku respectively, stating, “We have witnessed firsthand how faith-based engagement is reshaping the global dialogue on critical issues, from climate ambition to peacebuilding.” He outlined its impact in “bridging divides” and “advocating faith-based approaches.” Dieng also noted his participation in Bahrain’s Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain and His Eminence Dr. Ahmad Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders which aimed at strengthening the role of religious and academic authorities against hate speech. Dieng also emphasized that ethical leadership is a catalyst for achieving the hope and aspiration of Africa for positive peace and sustainable development.
The event reinforced the Muslim Council of Elders’ commitment to human fraternity, aligning with Wilton Park’s legacy of fostering solutions to global challenges. Established in 1946 and part of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Wilton Park has a distinguished history of convening diverse stakeholders—governments, NGOs, and faith communities—to address issues like conflict resolution and human rights, while being a catalyst for innovative, inclusive strategies in an era of unprecedented crises.