The International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) today begins a series of consultations between members of its international Fellows network on the thematic priorities of next month’s G20 Interfaith Forum, as well as the subsequent meeting of world leaders at the G20 itself, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in November.

Around 50 Fellows from current and alumni cohorts are combining their unique perspectives on global issues, ranging from conflict prevention to climate change and will identify concrete policy recommendations for presentation at the G20i Fellows and Youth Forum on October 8th.

Other topics under consideration are appropriate methods for confronting disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic, education and empowerment for youth and women and the need for robust religious, multi-faith and policy making partnerships to tackle multiple issues including hate speech, religious freedom and pluralism and human rights.

Organised by KAICIID in partnership with the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAoC), the G20 Interfaith Forum Association and Saudi Arabia’s National Committee for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue, the G20 Interfaith Forum offers an annual platform where networks of religiously affiliated and faith-inspired actors engage on global agendas within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the host country agenda.

Among high-level participants on October 8^th will be Miguel Moratinos, UNAOC’s High Representative, Jemima Nartey, Vice Chair of the World Scout Committee and Faisal bin Muaammar, KAICIID’s Secretary General.

“In many ways, KAICIID’s Fellows and alumni are the greatest symbols of the Centre’s commitment to dialogue.  Each Fellow, trained by the Centre, plants the seeds of dialogue in their specific locale, bringing opportunities for peace and mutual understanding.  The perspectives of our Fellows, together with those of the young people joining them in these consultations, are essential in tackling some of the world’s most challenging problems,” bin Muaammar said.

The five Fellows working groups will address the following themes:

• Fellows as Ambassadors of Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention
• Fellows on the Frontline Addressing Disasters
• Fellows as Educators and Mobilisers for Youth and Women
• Fellows as Guardians of the Planet
• Fellows Partnerships and Commitments for Religious and Multi-Faith Partnerships as well as Rule of Law and Religious Rights.

The top three recommendations in each Fellows working group will be identified, as will the findings of three youth working groups engaged with a variety of themes ranging from female and young refugees and migrants to the use of social media as a space for dialogue.