MCE Participates in 22nd Session of Congress of Leaders of World Religions

Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, participated in the 22nd session of the General Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana, Kazakhstan. The session saw the participation of approximately 30 religious leaders and heads of international organizations from 20 countries around the world.

In his speech, the Secretary-General expressed the Muslim Council of Elders’ appreciation for the remarkable efforts of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in promoting values of tolerance and mutual respect, and in fostering understanding among religious communities. He praised the Congress for establishing a pioneering experience since its launch in Astana in 2003. Judge Abdelsalam also commended Kazakhstan for its rich religious, cultural, and civilizational diversity, which has been a continuous historical legacy.

Abdelsalam also highlighted that the Muslim Council of Elders has maintained an active presence in this international conference over the past number of years, participating in seven consecutive sessions including in 2022 when Astana hosted a symbolic and historic gathering featuring His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, alongside His Holiness Pope Francis and other religious leaders from around the world.

The Secretary-General welcomed the decision to hold the first Forum of Young Religious Leaders, stating that it ensures the continuation of this important global conference with its noble mission. He further emphasized that young, educated, and dynamic religious leaders of today have the potential to overcome longstanding barriers between institutions and can come together to uphold universal human values equally for all.

Judge Abdelsalam concluded by reaffirming the Muslim Council of Elders' commitment, as a member of the Congress's General Secretariat, to advancing the role of religious leaders in promoting human justice. This will be done by leveraging the Council's experience in coordinating with global religious institutions and contributing to organizing regional interfaith consultations, as outlined in the Congress’s upcoming agenda.

The session also included an in-depth discussion on developing and strengthening interfaith dialogue, and introduced new initiatives aimed at advancing the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions from 2023 to 2033. Additionally, the Congress discussed organizing the first Forum of Young Religious Leaders, which aims to provide a platform for intergenerational dialogue and encourage younger religious leaders to engage with global spiritual and social challenges.

In an effort to promote religious diplomacy and expand the role of religions in building bridges between cultures and nations, a new regulation was adopted defining the roles of the Congress's Goodwill Ambassadors. Prominent figures were appointed to this prestigious position, tasked with supporting efforts to promote peace and understanding among religions, cultures, and civilizations around the world. Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam was unanimously elected as a Goodwill Ambassador of the Congress for a renewable three-year term, in recognition of his dedication to promoting dialogue, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and interfaith and intercultural understanding.