Grand Imam Calls for Global Consensus on Human Rights Respecting Cultural and Religious Diversity

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb called for a global consensus on human rights that respects cultural and religious diversity during talks with French Ambassador for Human Rights Isabelle Rome in Cairo on Tuesday.

Al-Tayeb said human rights should be based on principles accepted across civilizations rather than serving as a tool to impose particular worldviews or interfere in the traditions and beliefs of other societies. He stressed that scientific progress must be matched by moral advancement and urged renewed dialogue between East and West on human rights concepts.

The Grand Imam also emphasized that faith and shared ethical values remain essential to protecting human dignity, citing the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity as a model for international cooperation.

Rome praised Al-Azhar's role in promoting peaceful coexistence and affirmed that cultural and religious diversity should be respected while safeguarding universal fundamental rights.