The Global Council for Tolerance and Peace holds an international conference in Madrid to commemorate the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in cooperation with the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity

H.E Ahmed bin Mohamed Al Jarwan, President of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace (GCTP), chaired the international conference held in the Spanish capital, Madrid, on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at the headquarters of the Foundation for Islamic Culture and Religious Tolerance in Spain (FICRT), in partnership with the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity. And in the presence of the Ambassador of the Vatican State to the Kingdom of Spain, and H.E Ali Khalifa Al Nuaimi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Madrid, on the occasion of the celebration of the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity.

In his speech during the opening session, Al Jarwan stressed that the Council firmly believes in the historical importance of the Document on Human Fraternity, which was signed by His Eminence the Grand Imam, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Pope of the Vatican, in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2019, because of its symbolism and reference and the contents it contains. Great humanitarian principles that are considered a constitution for coexistence and tolerance among peoples.

The President of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace said that the Council is working with all its partners and members and through its various bodies, whether in the parliamentary, legislative, or cultural, educational and educational fields, to spread the principles of this document, and work to activate its provisions in various fields and all countries of the world.

Al Jarwan also stressed the necessity of celebrating the International Day of Human Fraternity, which was declared by the United Nations in reference to the date of the launch of this historical document, noting that the Council, its members and partners, worked to do so by highlighting the importance of this international day and holding several various activities around the world.

For his part, H.E Dr. Khalid bin Ghanem Al Ghaith, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Human Fraternity, said in the speech he sent to the conference that the International Day of Human Fraternity refocuses on the set of basic values ​​that bind us together and unite us as a global community for all humanity.
H.E also explained that human brotherhood is a concept that transcends borders and languages ​​and that it is a call to recognize the common humanity around whose noble values ​​we all agree.
H.E called for a commitment to designing transformative activities that enhance the principles of dialogue and understanding, and planning for a future in which the spirit of understanding and inclusiveness prevails.

The conference was attended by H.E Enrique Mayo Rocher, Secretary General for External Action, European Union and Cooperation of the Andalusian Government in southern Spain, H.E Monsignor Bernardito Cleopas Ouza, H.E Lorena García de Ithar, Director General of the Three Cultures Foundation for the Mediterranean and former Minister of the Andalusian Government, and a large number of officials and personalities. Diplomatic, cultural, university professors, heads and representatives of relevant organizations in Spain.

The participants in this international conference highlighted what was stated in the Document on Human Fraternity, and considered that this document represents a joint declaration urging the promotion of tolerance and peace among all of humanity, stressing that the Document on Human Fraternity is the fruit of the fraternal friendship that brings together the two great religious figures to provide a blueprint for a culture of dialogue. and interfaith cooperation, and aims to be a guide for future generations to promote a culture of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

The participants also agreed in their speeches at this conference to praise the efforts of the UAE and its wise leadership, the role of the various institutions in the country, and the role of global institutions and platforms, most notably the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace (GCTP), in supporting the culture of peaceful coexistence, dialogue, diplomacy, peace and tolerance in various countries of the world.

In conclusion, Al Jarwan honored H.E Federico Mayor Zaragoza, former Director of UNESCO and former Minister of Education of the Spanish Government, with the Council’s shield in appreciation of his efforts and prominent role in defending human rights and equality and supporting the culture of tolerance and peace. The President of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace also distributed the Council’s medals to the key speakers at this conference.