As the world grapples with escalating conflicts, deepening inequalities, and a rapidly closing window to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a powerful but often overlooked force is stepping into the spotlight, religious leaders and local voices. At the 2025 Kofi Annan Faith Briefings, faith actors from across the globe demonstrated how their grassroots peacebuilding efforts are quietly but effectively shaping a more inclusive and just world.
More than a dozen KAICIID Fellows, Network for Dialogue and other KAICIID network members from across Europe gathered in Vienna for the European Academy of Religion (#EuARe2025)
Peacebuilding today requires more than technical solutions; it demands inclusive, values-driven collaboration that reflects the lived realities of local communities. Recognising this, the International Dialogue Centre - KAICIID and the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN) have come together to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between two often overlooked groups in peace processes: women peacebuilders and religious leaders.
The University of Bangui is the main public University of Central African Republic. KAICIID is cooperating with the University on the inclusion of a module on Interreligious Dialogue within the Curriculum of the Master on Conflict Resolution.
The École Normale Supérieure (ENS) of the Central African Republic is the high-level state structure responsible for training future middle and high school teachers in all sectors. Since 2022, KAICIID has been strengthening the capacities of educators responsible for training teachers in interreligious and intercultural dialogue, with a view to instilling dialogue methodology, techniques and tools in future citizens of the Central African Republic.
Ministère de l’Action Humanitaire et de la Réconciliation Nationale de la République Centrafricaine
The Ministry [of Humanitarian Action and National Reconciliation of the Central African Republic] has the mission, within the framework of the general policy defined by the Government, to develop and implement the policies, programmes and strategies in humanitarian and reconciliation matters, such as the establishment of Local Peace and Reconciliation committees (LPCRs) mandated in the country's peace agreement. KAICIID is a key partner in the formation and capacitation of LPCRs with the aim of ensuring the proper inclusion of religious leaders and the use of transformational dialogue methodologies in their engagements.
Episode 3 of 3: Learning to Engage: Designing for Inclusion – Religious Literacy in Education - discover how religious literacy can transform education—learn practical ways to design inclusive classrooms that honour difference and build mutual respect.
How can religious literacy foster inclusion and respectful engagement in classrooms and learning spaces? In the final episode of our three-part series, Daniel Del Nido explores how education systems can intentionally design for inclusion by integrating religious literacy as a core skillset. Building on his contribution to the October 2024 webinar “Sowing Seeds of Peace,” Daniel draws from his experience at the Tanenbaum Center to showcase how religious literacy enhances empathy, identity awareness, and communication across religious and non-religious differences.
Join us for this 30-minute online fireside conversation, where Daniel will offer practical insights on embedding religious literacy in K–12 settings. The session will explore whole-school approaches, proactive curriculum design, and the tools educators need to create inclusive and respectful learning environments that prepare students for lifelong learning in religious literacy.
Moderated by Dr Kate Soules, Executive Director of the Religion and Education Collaborative, each session offers actionable insights into how religious literacy builds empathy, critical thinking, and cross-cultural competence—skills essential for peaceful engagement in today’s world:
• 17 July with Professor Erin K Wilson (Diplomacy and Global Affairs) [info & registration] • 21 July with Dicky Sofjan (Conflict & Interfaith Engagement) [info & registration] • 24 July with Daniel Del Nido (Education & Inclusion)
Episode 2 of 3: Bridging Divides: Contextualizing Conflict – Practising Religious Literacy for Peace. Join us to explore how religious literacy can bridge divides and build peace—learn from Dicky Sofjan’s powerful insights on navigating conflict through contextual understanding
How can religious literacy be practised as a peacebuilding tool in contexts of conflict and division? In the second episode of our three-part series, Associate Professor Dr. Dicky Sofjan delves into how religious literacy, when approached contextually, can help bridge divides and foster social cohesion. Building on insights from the October 2024 webinar “Sowing Seeds of Peace,” Dicky shares real-world examples from his work across Asia, demonstrating how religious literacy can empower communities, transform engagement, and support inclusive conflict resolution. Join us for this 30-minute online fireside conversation, where Dicky will highlight the importance of training local actors, embracing multi-faith perspectives, and moving from mono-religious to inclusive approaches. The session offers a powerful lens on how understanding lived religion can strengthen efforts toward peace and resilience in diverse, often fragile, settings.How can religious literacy be practised as a peacebuilding tool in contexts of conflict and division? In the second episode of our three-part series, Associate Professor Dr. Dicky Sofjan delves into how religious literacy, when approached contextually, can help bridge divides and foster social cohesion. Building on insights from the October 2024 webinar “Sowing Seeds of Peace,” Dicky shares real-world examples from his work across Asia, demonstrating how religious literacy can empower communities, transform engagement, and support inclusive conflict resolution. Join us for this 30-minute online fireside conversation, where Dicky will highlight the importance of training local actors, embracing multi-faith perspectives, and moving from mono-religious to inclusive approaches. The session offers a powerful lens on how understanding lived religion can strengthen efforts toward peace and resilience in diverse, often fragile, settings.
Moderated by Dr Kate Soules, Executive Director of the Religion and Education Collaborative, each session offers actionable insights into how religious literacy builds empathy, critical thinking, and cross-cultural competence—skills essential for peaceful engagement in today’s world:
• 17 July with Professor Erin K Wilson (Diplomacy and Global Affairs) [info & registration] • 21 July with Dicky Sofjan (Conflict & Interfaith Engagement) • 24 July with Daniel Del Nido (Education & Inclusion) [info & registration]
