25 June 2018, GENEVA: The Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue in collaboration with the International Catholic Migration Commission, the World Council of Churches, the Arab Thought Forum, the World Council of Religious Leaders, Bridges to Common Ground and the European Centre for Peace and Development has organized the first World Conference entitled “Religions, Creeds and Value System: Joining Forces to Enhance Equal Citizenship Rights” that was held on the 25th of June 2018 at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland. The World Conference was held under the Patronage of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, hosting more than 35 world-renowned religious, political and lay leaders from the major regions of the world.

HE Ali Bin Al Sayed Abdulrahman Al Hashim, Advisor on Judicial and Religious Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs, was among the high-level distinguished panel speakers at the World Conference. In his statement, HE Al Hashim noted that constructive dialogue between religions, creeds and value systems formed the basis for the protection of human rights, and constituted a perquisite for maintaining requirements needed for furthering common interests in today’s world. He remarked that this contributed to the entrenching of mutual respect and shared values between religions, so as to address distorted interpretations of religions that give rise to misinterpretations. The speaker underlined that “differences and diversity are a cultural reality, while being a sign of God’s creation of mankind and humanity”, as Islam grants considerable importance to constructive dialogue between different parties based on values of mutual respect, logical argumentation and forgiveness. This has been the case since the early call to Islam.

The speaker added that the contemporary approach derived from Islamic values is embodied in the UAE since its establishment, led under the late Sheikh Zayed Ben Sultan Al Nahyan who passed down this legacy to his successors. Furthermore, the speaker noted that “our collective participation in this World Conference has an amplified impact on the international community in various ways with regard to the respect of freedom of belief”. He also referred to the Islamic Constitution of Medina, also known as the ‘Charter of Medina’, which stood as a platform for freedom, justice, and cooperation ultimately leading to mutual acquaintance.

HE Al Hashim concluded his statement by emphasizing the Islamic message expressed by the Prophet’s Hadeeth: “Those who are merciful, will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the Earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you”.