On the margins of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), the International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID and the University for Peace (UPEACE) renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming a joint commitment to promoting peace through education, interreligious dialogue, and capacity building. The signing ceremony was hosted at the Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations in New York, underscoring Portugal’s role as the host country of KAICIID’s headquarters in Lisbon and its ongoing support for the Centre’s mission to advance dialogue and peace worldwide.
The renewal of the MoU marks a continuation of the constructive cooperation between KAICIID and UPEACE, an institution of higher education established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1980 to foster a global culture of peace. The updated agreement builds on the successes of past collaboration, including the joint development of e-learning courses on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and countering hate speech, and deepens both organizations’ engagement in capacity development, education, and global peacebuilding initiatives.
The MoU was signed by Amb. Ramu Damodaran, Permanent Observer of UPEACE to the United Nations in New York, on behalf of Rector Francisco Rojas Aravena, underscoring the institutional commitment of UPEACE at the highest levels. The presence of Amb. Damodaran also underscored the strategic importance of New York as a hub for advocacy, policy dialogue, and multilateral engagement, where KAICIID and UPEACE can leverage their collaboration to connect directly with UN agencies, Member States, and civil society. Together, the two institutions can amplify shared objectives, catalyze new initiatives, and strengthen global efforts to promote interreligious dialogue, peace education, and inclusive development
Speaking at the signing ceremony, KAICIID’s Acting Secretary General António de Almeida Ribeiro emphasized the shared vision of both institutions:
Our collaboration reflects a mutual dedication to advancing peace through dialogue, education, and mutual understanding. This renewed agreement comes at a symbolic moment as the world celebrates the 80th anniversary of the United Nations under the theme ‘Better Together.’ We look forward to expanding our joint efforts, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, where dialogue and peace education remain critical.
Amb. Ramu Damodaran – UPEACE added,
We formalize today dimensions of a relationship that has flourished in so many ways, with so many hopes. It is a relationship steeped in dialogue, in hearing and in being heard, in conversations within disciplines and between them. Both our institutions seek ways to achieve what may at times be considered unreachable. And, as Vasco da Gama said, we shall find a way or we shall make one.
Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation for Peace
This renewed partnership reflects the growing cooperation between intergovernmental and academic institutions to support the United Nations’ goals of peace, tolerance, and inclusion.
KAICIID and UPEACE first formalized their cooperation in 2020 with a joint focus on creating accessible, quality educational resources to strengthen interreligious and intercultural dialogue (IRD) and prevent the misuse of religion to incite violence and hatred.
Since the formalization of the cooperation, KAICIID and UPEACE have achieved several key milestones that showcase the practical impact of the partnership, among others:
Co-development of the online course “Engaging Faith Actors to Support Implementation of the SDGs”, launched at the United Nations Environment Assembly in 2022. This course equips faith leaders, policymakers, and practitioners with the knowledge and tools to contribute effectively to the SDGs, reinforcing the role of interreligious dialogue in sustainable development.
Hosting of KAICIID International Fellows at UPEACE’s Costa Rica campus in January 2024, bringing together two cohorts for experiential learning and exchange on interreligious dialogue, conflict transformation, and human rights. These immersive experiences have strengthened participants’ capacity to apply peacebuilding principles in local and global contexts.
UPEACE has been a vital partner in ensuring that the principles of dialogue and peacebuilding are embedded in educational frameworks. We are honoured to work with such a respected academic institution, said Amb. Ribeiro.
Looking Ahead: Joint Conference in Costa Rica
As part of the renewed agreement, KAICIID and UPEACE will co-host along with regional actors a Latin American and Caribbean Conference on Fostering a Culture of Peace through Promoting Interreligious Dialogue and Education, in Costa Rica. The event will bring together religious leaders, academics, civil society actors, and policymakers from across the region to explore the role of interreligious dialogue in addressing social cohesion, youth inclusion, and conflict prevention.
The conference builds on both institutions shared priorities and represents a new chapter of practical collaboration aimed at localizing peace education strategies.
About KAICIID
The International Dialogue Centre - KAICIID is an intergovernmental organization that promotes peace through interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Established in 2012, KAICIID brings together religious leaders, policymakers, academics, and civil society to build social cohesion, counter hate speech, and prevent the misuse of religion to justify violence.
About the University for Peace (UPEACE)
The University for Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1980 as a treaty-based institution of higher education dedicated to peace and conflict studies. Headquartered in Costa Rica with offices worldwide, UPEACE offers master’s and doctoral programmes as well as research and training opportunities in peacebuilding, international law, environment, and human rights.