Diplomacy, often described as the art of dialogue between nations, has long been a domain of secular statesmanship. Yet, in today’s turbulent world, the contours of diplomacy are shifting. New alliances are being forged not only between states but also between institutions of belief and those of governance.
This was vividly illustrated at a recent event, KAICIID co-hosted, titled "Faith and the Future: Religion’s Role in Peacebuilding, Diplomacy, and Social Cohesion in the OSCE Space" in collaboration with Dublin City University’s Centre for Religion, Human Values, and International Relations and the European Council of Religious Leaders/Religions for Peace Europe and Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The session, organized on the margins of the OSCE Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting III, showcased the transformative role of faith-based diplomacy in shaping inclusive societies.
Ambassador Almeida Ribeiro opened the session, emphasizing KAICIID’s unique institutional model as a demonstration of religious diplomacy in action, as the only intergovernmental organization co-governed by states and religious leaders, describing it as "a working example of how religion and diplomacy can co-exist.” He further emphasized the foundational principle and moral dimension of diplomacy that “Security begins with dignity. This is not about replacing diplomacy with faith, but enriching diplomacy with values that resonate deeply across spiritual and secular traditions alike.”
Religious and interreligious actors are already contributing to diplomacy in tangible ways. Through platforms like the KAICIID-supported Muslim Jewish Leadership Council and the European Muslim Leaders Majlis, religious leaders are issuing joint statements on current societal challenges, mobilising communities in times of crisis, and advising policymakers on the frontline of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred. These are not symbolic actions; they are quiet forms of diplomacy that build social trust from the ground up.
From Vision to Practice at the Regional and Local Context
On June 2-3, 2025, KAICIID, represented by Acting Secretary General, Ambassador António de Almeida Ribeiro, participated prominently in the OSCE Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting III hosted by the Finnish Chairpersonship and OSCE/ODIHR titled “Inclusion as a Way to Promote Tolerance and Non-Discrimination. The gathering brought together representatives of the 57 OSCE participating States, international organizations, civil society, and media to explore how inclusive policymaking and interfaith dialogue can combat discrimination and foster social cohesion across the OSCE region. As a key regional policy platform, the meeting underscored the growing recognition of the intersection between religion, human rights, and diplomacy in building inclusive and cohesive communities and emphasized interfaith dialogue and cooperation to counter discrimination and foster social cohesion.. In this context, KAICIID contributed its dialogue-driven approach to both policy and practice, highlighting its ongoing commitment to multilateral dialogue and regional cooperation under the Europe Region Programme.
During the conference, Ambassador António de Almeida Ribeiro underscored the urgency of inclusive dialogue across generations and communities to effectively counter hate and discrimination, reinforcing human dignity. Emphasizing dialogue's transformative potential,
Ribeiro noted, “As intergovernmental organizations, we hold the responsibility and the power to translate dialogue into durable policies, and to move from mere coexistence to active solidarity."KAICIID stands ready to work hand in hand with our OSCE partners and networks to shape a new era of dialogue-driven, dignity-centered security for peace.
A significant announcement was made regarding KAICIID’s forthcoming Resource Guide for Religious Leaders on Countering Hate Speech, designed to equip local leaders with practical tools for grassroots impact. Ambassador Almeida Ribeiro informed that KAICIID invests in people and platforms that make social cohesion real. The Centre works as a convener, bringing together religious leaders and policymakers to promote dialogue as a fundamental aspect of policy making aimed at tackling global problems, both through its projects and initiatives, and by fomenting other initiatives and networks in Europe, such as the Muslim Jewish Leadership Council (MJLC), the European Muslim Leaders Majlis (EuLeMa), the Network for Dialogue, and the KAICIID Fellows. These networks “make social cohesion real,” as stated by ASG.
Through its regional initiatives in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, KAICIID promotes inclusive, multi-layered, and consultative dialogue processes. In Vienna, Ambassador Ribeiro emphasized KAICIID’s role as a convener, bringing together religious leaders, policymakers, civil society, and youth to co-create solutions rooted in shared values.
Religious leaders are uniquely positioned to build trust and foster social cohesion. Yet they often lack the platforms and partnerships needed to scale their efforts. This is why OSCE engagement matters so deeply. As intergovernmental organizations, we hold the responsibility and the power to translate dialogue into durable policies, and to move from mere coexistence to active solidarity.
Strengthening Partnerships with key stakeholders
During his official visit, Ambassador Almeida Ribeiro also engaged in bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening institutional relationships. At the Austrian Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration, and Foreign Affairs, he met with Minister Plenipotentiary Dr. Alexander Wojda and Deputy Director Aleksander Rieger, reaffirming Austria’s ongoing support as a Founding Member of KAICIID. Ribeiro highlighted Austria's influential role in promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue globally. A meeting took place with Senior officials for international relations from the Mayor of Vienna’s office.
Moreover, the Acting Secretary General held constructive dialogues with prominent Vienna-based members of the MJLC, Imam Tarafa Baghajati, discussing ongoing initiatives and future collaborations.
Concluding his mission, Ambassador Almeida Ribeiro met with Ms. Maria Telalian, the newly appointed Director of OSCE-ODIHR. Their discussions focused on deepening KAICIID’s existing partnership with ODIHR, emphasizing collaboration in combating hate speech, promoting tolerance, and supporting inclusive dialogue. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation in these vital areas
Looking Ahead
KAICIID’s participation at the OSCE Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting III highlights its continued leadership in embedding dialogue at the heart of policy processes. As exclusionary narratives rise and social cohesion is tested, KAICIID promotes dialogue as a bridge between communities, between institutions, and between the religions and the political.
KAICIID stands ready to deepen its cooperation with all partners willing to use their convening power to create inclusive and consultative processes,” concluded Ambassador Ribeiro. “Together, we can shape a new era of dialogue-driven, dignity-centered security for peace.