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In 2023, the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, has been at the forefront of fostering a culture of peace, justice, and coexistence through its active participation in numerous international forums, conferences, and gatherings. Amidst the prevalent global conflicts and divisions, these efforts have been crucial in promoting the values of human fraternity and combating violence, bigotry, hatred, and discrimination.

One of the Council’s most notable contributions this year has been its participation in a high-level United Nations Security Council session. The session, titled “The Values of Human Fraternity in Promoting and Sustaining Peace,” was distinguished by the historic, first-of-its-kind participation of His Eminence the Grand Imam. During this gathering, Dr. El-Tayeb underscored the pressing need for collaborative endeavors to uphold the principles of human fraternity in addressing contemporary global challenges. He emphasized the utmost importance of embracing diversity, encompassing all associated rights and responsibilities, as an intrinsic divine aspect of humanity’s creation.

When addressing the Palestinian issue, His Eminence the Grand Imam conveyed, “When I speak of Palestine, I speak of my sacred sites and yours. I speak of the hardships faced by the Palestinian people in the face of power arrogance and tyrannical cruelty—these noble people who have long borne the weight of the international community’s silence regarding their usurped rights.” Sheikh El-Tayeb urged the Security Council and the global community to swiftly acknowledge an independent Palestinian state with its capital in Jerusalem, underscoring the imperative of protecting Al-Aqsa Mosque from the daily violations it faces.

Furthermore, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, participated in an international peace conference held this year in the German capital, Berlin, from September 10 to 12, alongside leaders from various religions and communities, and political figures. The conference aimed to explore avenues for promoting the values of peace and human fraternity. It also addressed the escalating challenge of Islamophobia in Europe and discussed strategies to combat the desecration of religious sanctities. His Eminence emphasized, “Global peace is intricately tied to the peace of nations. The notion that everyone is secure only when every part is secure equally asserts that there can be no peace in Europe without peace in the Middle East, particularly in Palestine. Similarly, there can be no peace in Asia without peace in Africa, and no peace in North America without peace in South America.”

In the same vein, the year 2023 also marked the Muslim Council of Elders’ engagement in the Astana International Forum themed “Tackling Challenges through Dialogue: Towards Cooperation, Development, and Progress.” Attended by over 1,000 participants from approximately 70 countries, including leaders, heads of state, government officials, directors of international organizations, and individuals of diverse backgrounds, the forum hosted more than 40 dialogue sessions and events. These covered topics ranging from peace promotion, multilateralism, the global system, and confronting climate challenges. The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, further participated in the 21st meeting of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana. He underscored that interfaith dialogue consistently serves as a crucial solution and a key factor in confronting the shared human challenges we encounter today.

While participating in the dialogue meeting between Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa on inclusive citizenship and freedom of religion and belief in London, the Muslim Council of Elders underscored the pressing need for the wisdom of religious leaders in advancing the values of inclusive citizenship and the freedoms of religion and belief. The Council called for concerted efforts to harness the potential of religions and the influence of their leaders to establish a comprehensive framework of freedoms and public rights.

In Abu Dhabi, during the 2023 World Policy Conference, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders underscored the importance of initiatives that seek to uphold the universality of religious values while preserving diversity. He highlighted the necessity of tapping into the spiritual strength of religions to address contemporary human issues and the shared challenges of the world. The “Document on Human Fraternity,” signed by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and MCE Chairman, and His Holiness Pope Francis on February 4, 2019, outlines a set of guidelines, principles, and foundations governing the coexistence of all humans amidst their differences and diversity.

In its ongoing commitment to fostering values of tolerance and human coexistence, the Muslim Council of Elders collaborated with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates to host ‘The Global Tolerance and Human Fraternity Summit’. This year’s summit, themed “United by Our Shared Humanity,” drew extensive participation from global leaders – including representatives from the United Nations, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, and the Vatican – as well as global religious figures and thinkers. The Conference centered on bolstering international efforts for humanity on both regional and global scales, focusing on four key pillars: faith, peace, the planet, and diversity. It effectively communicated the UAE’s dedication to advancing values of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity, both domestically and internationally, in collaboration with global partners.

Additionally, the Council prioritized the formalization of various cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding with relevant entities sharing common objectives, the most notable being a memorandum for cooperation with the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. This Memorandum sought to establish a permanent joint committee for Islamic-Christian dialogue between the Muslim Council of Elders and the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. Annual meetings were envisioned to coordinate joint efforts and initiatives aimed at enhancing dialogue and coexistence among followers of diverse religions and cultures worldwide. Furthermore, a memorandum of understanding was forged with the Presidency of COP28, emphasizing the establishment of a robust and ongoing partnership focusing on the intersection of religion and environmental sustainability. The memorandum aimed to amplify the role of religions in addressing the repercussions of climate change.

In its ongoing efforts to tackle pressing global challenges, particularly the urgent climate crisis threatening life on our planet, the Muslim Council of Elders has orchestrated a series of impactful activities and conferences. These endeavors have attracted a significant turnout and garnered widespread attention and international acclaim, exemplified by events such as the Conference on Religions and Climate Change – South East Asia (CORECS 2023) held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Attended by approximately 150 representatives spanning diverse religious backgrounds in the Southeast Asia region, along with scholars, thinkers, and environmentally conscious youth, this Conference sent a hopeful message to the Global Faith Summit on Climate Action and the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP28). The shared message called for collaborative efforts to yield positive outcomes and implement effective solutions, thereby forging a more promising future for humanity.

This Conference also marked the inception of the Global Faith Summit on Climate Action, bringing together representatives from 18 religions and 30 denominations and doctrines worldwide. The Summit, featuring a substantial presence of scholars, academics, environmental experts, and representatives from diverse communities, including youth, women, and indigenous peoples, aimed to facilitate the exchange of perspectives, experiences, and insights. The goal was to collectively address the climate crisis and formulate a shared vision among religious leaders and figures, contributing to tangible and effective solutions for the challenges posed by climate change.

This Summit also marked the signing of the “Confluence of Conscience: Uniting for Planetary Resurgence,” also known as “The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for COP28,” a document endorsed by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, and His Holiness Pope Francis, alongside 28 religious leaders and figures. The Statement called for an expeditious and equitable shift toward embracing clean and renewable energy sources. It urged governments to overcome the linear growth paradigm and move to a circular model, ensuring justice and inclusivity in climate action, particularly addressing the losses and damages stemming from climate change, especially in vulnerable regions.

These endeavors reached a pinnacle with the Muslim Council of Elders establishing the Faith Pavilion at COP28, a pioneering first-of-its-kind initiative in the history of the Conference of the Parties. The Pavilion garnered substantial participation and attendance from COP28 visitors. Hosting over 65 dialogue sessions and featuring 350 speakers across various domains, the event underscored the ethical responsibility of the world to preserve the environment. It emphasized the sacred duty and collective responsibility of humanity to care for and safeguard the Earth. Additionally, it stressed the imperative to champion sustainable lifestyles aligned with the principles of moderation and constraint advocated by diverse religions.

Throughout 2023, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders dedicated itself to empowering the youth, enhancing their capabilities to become harbingers of hope and peace worldwide. This commitment aligns with the Council’s vision to instill and reinforce human values, peaceful coexistence, and tolerance among young people, shaping them as future leaders.

One of the Council’s significant initiatives in 2023 was the successful organization of the second edition of the Emerging Peacemakers Forum in July, held in Geneva, Switzerland. This event, in collaboration with the World Council of Churches and the Rose Castle Foundation, provided a global platform for 50 young men and women from 24 countries. They collaborated on developing innovative, sustainable solutions for fostering peace in societies and launching national and regional peace-making initiatives and projects, as well as promoting values of tolerance and human fraternity.

The Forum solidified a pioneering approach among youth for constructive engagement with global issues and challenges, including climate change. Participants planted an olive tree as a call for environmental peacemakers to protect life on the Earth. They also sent a message of hope to the COP28 Presidency, emphasizing the urgent need for collective and serious action to address the climate crisis and the necessity of involving all societal groups in climate action, including youth, indigenous peoples, and religious leaders.

The role of youth was prominently highlighted in the dialogue sessions hosted by the Faith Pavilion at COP28, the first-of-its-kind initiative in the history of the Conferences of the Parties. Organized by the Muslim Council of Elders in cooperation with the COP28 Presidency, the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and the United Nations Environment Programme, these sessions highlighted youth’s efforts and fruitful initiatives in facing the existential threat of climate change.

In its commitment to supporting promising youth initiatives, the Emerging Peacemakers Forum launched a global competition aimed at fostering innovation and encouraging young people to develop effective solutions and transform them into sustainable projects addressing the climate crisis in their communities. The competition featured categories like ‘climate change and climate justice’, ‘capacity building in climate education and training’, and ‘the role of religions in climate action’. It celebrated four exceptional projects as winners, selected from 50 submissions spanning 11 countries worldwide.

As part of its efforts to promote the values of human fraternity, tolerance, and coexistence among youth, the Council launched, in collaboration with Georgetown University, the Global Student Human Fraternity Dialogues program. This program aims to acquaint university students with the values of human fraternity, forming an international network and platform for students to share creative ideas for promoting interfaith and intercultural solidarity in societies.

Inspired by the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, in 2019, the Global Student Dialogues provides an opportunity for students to engage in meaningful discussions on the crucial humanitarian values and issues, featuring engagement and support from youth worldwide. 

Committed to supporting youth on various fronts, the Muslim Council of Elders actively participated in numerous youth events and initiatives, including the ‘Peace Ambassadors’ camp organized by the Arab Youth Center in Abu Dhabi. The Council emphasized the need to create a generation of Arab youth capable of carrying the message of tolerance, coexistence, and building a better future for humanity. Furthermore, the Council launched a Ramadan program in 2023 to highlight youth efforts in peace-making and shed light on positive global models that have contributed to advancing peace in their communities.

Looking ahead to 2024, the Muslim Council of Elders will continue to support and mentor the youth, fostering cultural and religious communication, and inspiring the exchange of ideas that promote peaceful coexistence. The Council is dedicated to building informed and aware generations, capable of effectively spreading values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence, shaping a more harmonious global community.

In 2023, the Muslim Council of Elders embarked on pioneering historical initiatives aimed at promoting values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and fostering Islamic-Islamic dialogue. These groundbreaking efforts were prompted by the call of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to conduct a serious Islamic-Islamic dialogue. The purpose of this dialogue is to enhance unity, promote convergence, cultivate mutual understanding, strengthen religious and human fraternity, and reject the root causes of division and discord, particularly those related to sectarian conflicts, with a distinct emphasis on highlighting areas of agreement and convergence.

Within the context of His Eminence Dr. El-Tayeb’s invitation, a significant and purposeful visit was undertaken by a distinguished delegation from the General Secretariat of the Muslim Council of Elders to the Republic of Iraq, covering Najaf, Baghdad, and Erbil. The primary objective of this visit was to engage in a meaningful and impactful dialogue with all segments of the Iraqi people, building bridges of effective communication and establishing a new era of mutual understanding among all Islamic sects.

The Muslim Council of Elders attaches great importance to fostering Islamic-Islamic dialogue as a fundamental means of promoting unity and peace within Muslim societies. The visit to Iraq marks an initial stride in this direction, pledging to persist in this constructive approach to build confidence and cultivate mutual respect among adherents of various sects within the same community, ultimately realizing peace and overall harmony.

The visit of the delegation from the General Secretariat of the Muslim Council of Elders to Iraq included three significant stations, commencing in the city of Najaf with a meeting with a distinguished group of professors and religious scholars at Al-Khoei Institute. The delegation also met with the Representative of the Supreme Shia Authority, His Eminence Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, and his authorized deputy, Sheikh Abdul-Mahdi al-Karbalai. The dialogue focused on addressing contemporary challenges facing the Arab and Islamic nation, ways to mend divisions, elevate the spirit of religious fraternity, and emphasize the importance of cooperation and understanding among the followers of the same faith.

The second stop of the visit was the capital, Baghdad, involving a meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister, His Excellency Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, and various religious and community leaders in Baghdad. This included a meeting with the Head of the Sunni Endowment Office in the Republic of Iraq, Dr. Mishaan Al-Khazraji and Sheikh Dr. Hamed Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh Hamad, who is the head of the Scholars League Association in Iraq, and the Imam and Preacher of Al-Ma’rufiya Mosque. Additionally, there was a meeting with the Chief Scholar of the Iraqi Fiqh Council, Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Hassan al-Taha. A visit was also made to the Abu Hanifa al-Nu’man Mosque. The discussions emphasized avenues for developing cooperation between the Muslim Council of Elders and Iraqi institutions, along with joint projects aimed at enhancing religious fraternity and human coexistence, both locally and globally.

In Erbil, the third stop of the visit, the delegation from the General Secretariat of the Muslim Council of Elders engaged with His Excellency Pshtiwan Sadq Abdullah, Minister of Endowment and Religious Affairs in the Kurdistan Region. The meeting, attended by the Head of the Iraqi Sunni Endowment Office and the Head of the Union of Scholars of the Kurdistan Region, aimed to explore avenues for enhancing coexistence, tolerance, and peace. It also focused on the role of religions in disseminating and solidifying the values of dialogue and effective communication among various sects and doctrines.

This visit received significant attention and a warm welcome from all segments of the Iraqi people, who are eagerly anticipating the upcoming historic visit of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to Iraq. The visit holds paramount importance in supporting the issues of the Islamic nation, particularly in promoting unity, solidarity, and cohesion. Although preparations for this visit began a long time ago, the plans were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The official and popular authorities in Iraq have renewed the invitation to Sheikh Al-Azhar to proceed with the visit.
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About The Muslim Council of Elders:
The Muslim Council of Elders is an independent international organization founded in Abu Dhabi on Ramadan 21, 1435 Hijri (July 19, 2014). Its central aim is to promote peace in both Muslim and non-Muslim societies and to disseminate and strengthen the values of tolerance, dialogue, and mutual coexistence. Led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Council’s membership includes a distinguished assembly of scholars, experts, and leaders renowned for their wisdom, justice, independence, and moderation.

In 2023, the Muslim Council of Elders continued to devote significant attention to the issues of the Arab and Muslim worlds. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting endeavors that strengthen the involvement of religious leaders in addressing global challenges. Guided by its comprehensive vision of promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, human values, and principles of human coexistence, the Council focused on combating extremism and terrorism, advocating for cultural and religious dialogue as a foundation for development and prosperity.

The Palestinian cause was a primary concern for the Council in 2023, especially given the aggression in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian territories. This aggression resulted in thousands of civilian casualties, with the majority being women and children, and led to the displacement of tens of thousands who lost their homes and shelters. The Council condemned these violations of international laws and human rights, reiterating calls to the international community for a ceasefire in Gaza, relief for innocent Palestinian civilians by delivering humanitarian assistance, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Regarding the Sudanese crisis, the Council urged an end to the conflict, the achievement of unity and peace, cessation of internal strife, preservation of security and stability, and the promotion of reconciliation and solidarity among the Sudanese people. It prayed to the Almighty God to guide the wise leaders toward ensuring peace and the sanctity of life.

The Council also condemned all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism worldwide, emphasizing its vision of promoting dialogue, coexistence, and rejecting violence, hatred, and terrorism.

In response to systematic campaigns aimed at burning the Noble Quran, the Council strongly condemned such provocative acts, considering them contrary to international norms and covenants that advocate respect and acceptance of others, as well as the non-offense to religious symbols and sanctities. The Council welcomed the decision by the Danish Parliament to prohibit the “improper treatment” of religious texts of significant importance, effectively banning the burning of the Quran. It deemed this decision as a significant step toward fostering tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect for religious sanctities and symbols. The Council urged countries experiencing similar attacks on freedoms and religious sanctities to enact comparable legislation to counter intolerance, hate speech, and Islamophobia.

Throughout the year, the Council also expressed solidarity with several natural disasters impacting Arab and Muslim countries. This included a devastating earthquake in Morocco, resulting in over 3,000 deaths and 26,000 injuries, as well as the collapse of numerous buildings. Additionally, the Council addressed the Turkish earthquake, which caused over 50,000 deaths and thousands more in Syria, a storm in Derna, Libya leading to over 20,000 deaths, thousands missing, and the destruction of homes and infrastructure, along with wildfires in Algeria affecting several cities.

Motivated by these climate and environmental crises, the Council intensified its efforts in climate action, launching initiatives and activities to engage religious leaders in addressing climate challenges. It conveyed a message to global leaders and decision-makers, stressing the urgent need for radical measures against the accelerating and severe impacts of climate change. This included hosting the Global Faith Summit on Climate Action and signing the ‘The Abu Dhabi Interfaith Statement for COP28’. Additionally, the Council organized the first-ever Faith Pavilion in the history of the Conference of the Parties at COP28.

ENDS

About The Muslim Council of Elders:

The Muslim Council of Elders is an independent international organization founded in Abu Dhabi on Ramadan 21, 1435 Hijri (July 19, 2014). Its central aim is to promote peace in both Muslim and non-Muslim societies and to disseminate and strengthen the values of tolerance, dialogue, and mutual coexistence. Led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the Council’s membership includes a distinguished assembly of scholars, experts, and leaders renowned for their wisdom, justice, independence, and moderation.

The Muslim Council of Elders (MCE), presided over by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, warmly welcomes the recent decision of the United Nations Security Council. This resolution urgently advocates for immediate actions to facilitate the comprehensive and secure delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, guaranteeing unimpeded access without obstacles. The Council underscores the crucial significance of creating the necessary conditions for a lasting and sustainable ceasefire.

In conveying the Council’s support for this resolution, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, the Secretary-General of the MCE, expresses the hope that it will substantially contribute to alleviating the suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza. He underscores the urgent need for decisive measures to halt the Israeli aggression, which has tragically claimed the lives of thousands of innocents, mainly women and children, and caused considerable damage to the besieged infrastructure of Gaza.

In this context, the Muslim Council of Elders acknowledges and commends the pivotal role played by the United Arab Emirates in proposing this resolution. The Council calls upon the international community to safeguard the rights of the Palestinian people, ensuring their legitimate and rightful pursuit of establishing an independent state, with its capital situated in the revered city of Jerusalem.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, extends his sincere congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah for assuming the leadership of the sisterly State of Kuwait and his inauguration as the Emir of Kuwait.

The Grand Imam expresses sincere prayers for the success of His Highness Sheikh Meshal in leading Kuwait, hoping for the continuation of a journey marked by generosity, the fulfillment of the aspirations of its people, the prosperity of the country, and support for the causes of the Arab and Islamic nations.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has called for strengthening human solidarity, particularly in the face of wars, conflicts, escalating humanitarian crises, rising poverty rates, and the increasing numbers of refugees and displaced individuals who have lost their homes and shelters in today’s world.

In a statement released on the occasion of the International Human Solidarity Day, observed annually on December 20, the Council stressed the shared responsibility of the global community towards the vulnerable Palestinian population. It highlighted the plight of civilians facing violations that have displaced hundreds of thousands, leading to numerous casualties and martyrs, predominantly among women and children. The Council further emphasized the imperative for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The statement clarified that human solidarity transcends the responsibility solely assigned to governments and nations; it is a collective duty that everyone should shoulder. It affirmed that collective action and mutual cooperation can achieve tangible progress in various fields, ranging from eradicating poverty to environmental protection, improving human life, and eliminating inequality and discrimination based on gender, religion, and race. This necessitates genuine and comprehensive commitment, along with human solidarity, to uplift the quality of human life and foster stability in societies globally.

The Council renews its call for the adoption of collaboration, solidarity, and compassion to confront the current challenges facing humanity. It pointed out that the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, in Abu Dhabi in 2019, urged the world to establish justice based on mercy as the path to achieving a dignified life for every human being. The Document emphasizes that dialogue, understanding, the dissemination of the culture of tolerance, acceptance of others, and coexistence among people can contribute to addressing many social, political, economic, and environmental problems that afflict a significant portion of humanity.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has called on the Islamic and Arab worlds to preserve and wholeheartedly embrace the Arabic language as an inseparable component of the Islamic and Arab identities. Stressing the profound significance accorded to Arabic by Allah, the Almighty, the Council has highlighted its role as the eloquent medium for the Holy Quran and the tongue through which divine rules and jurisprudence are conveyed.

In a statement issued on the occasion of World Arabic Language Day on December 18, coinciding with the significant milestone of its declaration as an official language by the United Nations fifty years ago, the Council has emphasized the enduring allure and inherent brilliance ingrained in the Arabic language’s lexical eloquence and syntactic richness, describing it as possessing unparalleled depth in meanings and opulence in vocabulary. Furthermore, the Council has highlighted the Arabic language’s pivotal role in shaping knowledge, fostering societal transformations, and advancing science and civilization. It has also underscored that it stands as a timeless witness to the rich tapestry of Islamic history, adorned with indelible achievements in diverse sectors such as science, arts, literature, poetry, and beyond.

Recognizing the vital role and importance of the Arabic language in shaping cultures and building bridges that foster communication among humanity, the Council is committed to consolidating the Arabic language’s esteemed status through various initiatives and activities. A standout among these initiatives is Dar Al Hokama Publishing, dedicated to releasing distinguished publications that advocate a culture of moderation and correct misconceptions. The publishing house also strives to conduct translations to and from the Arabic language, thereby facilitating the exchange of a broad range of positive experiences and global knowledge.

The Muslim Council of Elders concluded its participation at the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair with notable success. Visitors at the exhibition showed keen interest in the latest releases from the council and actively participated in the activities organized by the booth from December 9 to 17.

The Council’s booth, comprising more than 190 diverse publications in thought, culture, and Islamic heritage, witnessed significant engagement from various segments of society, exhibition visitors, and participants from around the world. Additionally, prominent researchers in various fields expressed interest in reviewing the council’s publications addressing various important issues. The Council’s booth also organized several activities for children.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, affirmed that the Council has a clear vision for participating in numerous intellectual and cultural events worldwide. The objective is to spread enlightened moderate thought and rectify misconceptions. He also highlighted that the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair serves as a bridge for intellectual and cultural communication between Arab culture and various global cultures.

Over the course of nine days, the Council’s booth organized various cultural and intellectual events, including a seminar titled “The Role of the Muslim Council of Elders in Disseminating Heritage and Islamic Thought Books,” presented by Dr. Abdelrahman Madkur, a researcher at the Islamic Heritage Revival Office at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. The seminar discussed the role of the Muslim Council of Elders and its efforts in promoting peace and spreading the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence while rejecting extremism and hate speech.

Furthermore, the Council’s booth organized a seminar titled “The Human Fraternity Journey: Grand Imam and Pope Francis as Models.” Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research. The seminar focused on the Document on Human Fraternity, emphasizing its importance in the present time, especially in light of the wars and conflicts worldwide, requiring the dissemination of values of peace and common coexistence.

This is the second time the Muslim Council of Elders has participated at the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair in its eighth edition, which reflects the Council’s goals of promoting peace, establishing values of dialogue and tolerance, and building bridges of cooperation among diverse people and beliefs.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, visited the eighth edition of the Istanbul International Arabic Book Fair and explored its prominent activities and various participating entities, emphasizing that global cultural exhibitions serve as vital platforms for the exchange of ideas and cultures among people. This represents a significant opportunity to introduce Arab and Islamic culture and underscore shared human values.

During his tour of the Istanbul Arabic Book Fair 2023, the Secretary-General praised the organization of this prominent cultural event and its effective role in enhancing cultural exchange as a bridge of communication between diverse Arab cultures and their global counterparts. He commended the diversity of topics and presented publications, reflecting the creativity and cultural richness of the Arab region.

Judge Abdelsalam also visited the booth of Dar Al Hokama Publishing at the exhibition, which showcases over 190 diverse publications aimed at disseminating and promoting the values of peace in Muslim and non-Muslim communities. He affirmed that the Council is well aware of the importance of thought and culture in defining and ingraining human values in the minds of youth. He explained that “Dar Al Hokama Publishing” contributes, through its leading publications, to reinforcing the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence among all people, despite their differences and diversity.

For the second consecutive year, the Muslim Council of Elders is participatiny in the Istanbul Arabic Book Fair, aligning with its mission to promote a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence. The fair stands as one of the essential gatherings for Arab publishers and creators of literary and cultural content in the region. It also serves as a significant event for Arab communities in Europe, considering Istanbul as a bridge of dialogue between the East and the West.