KAICIID Fellows Programme Begins Marking 10 Years of Global Impact with Celebration in Brazil.

In August 2024, the International Dialogue Centre - KAICIID begins commemorating the 10th anniversary of its International Fellows Programme (in 2025) with a landmark event in Brasília, Brazil. From August 18 to 22, Fellows alumni from the region will participate in the joint Annual Forum of the Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) and the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20). These events are bringing together a diverse assembly of stakeholders committed to fostering dialogue and sustainable development across the globe.

The Forum will be preceded by two days of meetings for the Fellows, engaging in regional needs assessment and raising priorities from the region, and in a review and visioning for the Fellows Programme itself. The highlight of the Fellows’ events will be a celebratory dinner with the Secretary General and a variety of partners marking the beginning of the anniversary celebrations, and the launch of KAICIID’s programmatic outreach in Latin America. 

Under the theme “Leave No One Behind: The Well-Being of the Planet and Its People,” the IF20 and PaRD Annual Forum is addressing some of the most pressing issues facing societies today, from social inclusion to sustainability. This theme is underscoring the critical role that dialogue plays in advancing sustainable development and fostering inclusive communities on a global scale.

The global gathering in Brasília is featuring a wide array of participants, including representatives from various faith traditions, Indigenous groups, civil society organizations, governments, multilateral entities, academia, and development experts. Over three days (20-22 August), these stakeholders are engaging in meaningful discussions, sharing insights, and exploring collaborative strategies to promote peace and understanding.

A highlight of the event is recognizing three inspiring stories that are showcasing the transformative impact of the Fellows Programme. These narratives illustrate how the programme is empowering individuals to transcend differences, build bridges, and contribute to the well-being of their communities and the plane[AJ5] t.

KAICIID is honoured to announce that H.E. the Secretary-General has been invited to participate in the 2024 G20 Interfaith Forum and PaRD Annual Forum. H.E.’s confirmed attendance is underscoring the significance of this event and as a member of PaRD, KAICIID.s participation honours the longstanding cooperation and programmatic expansion in Latin America.

Reflecting on this milestone, Dr. Zuhair Alharthi remarked, "As we celebrate a decade of the KAICIID Fellows Programme, we are reminded of the transformative power of dialogue in building bridges between diverse communities. Our involvement in the G20 Interfaith Forum and PaRD Annual Forum in Brazil highlights KAICIID’s long-standing commitment to fostering partnerships that promote peace, sustainability, and mutual understanding across the globe. This milestone is not only celebrating our past achievements but also paving the way for a future where dialogue continues to empower individuals and communities to overcome differences and collaborate for the well-being of our planet and its people."

Since its inception, the KAICIID Fellows Programme has made remarkable strides, training a robust network of nearly 550 Fellows spanning 92 countries. Each year, the programme attracts around 500 applications, reflecting its growing influence and the increasing global demand for dialogue facilitation. Fellows have implemented over 600 individual initiatives with KAICIID grants, directly impacting more than 400,000 people.

As part of the celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the Fellows Programme, in 2025 a unique cohort of sixteen Fellows is being called from leadership of international organizations around the world who engage issues related to religions and interreligious dialogue.

KAICIID remains at the forefront of promoting peace and understanding through intercultural and interreligious dialogue. The celebration in Brasília marks a significant moment in the Centre’s ongoing work in Latin America and is serving as the kickoff for a year of global events. These events, to be held on each continent, emphasize KAICIID’s continued dedication to fostering dialogue and cooperation worldwide.