KAICIID supports Interreligious Summit and Dialogue Trainings in Rishkesh, India
Ahead of Mahatma Ghandi’s 150th Birth Anniversary, Muslims and Hindus from more than 30 various religious groups in India convened on 8-9 December at the Interreligious Summit in Rishkesh and on 9-10 December for a two day training. Both events were organized by the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, and Parmarth Niketan.
The historic Summit aimed to strengthen interreligious collaboration between Hindu and Muslim leaders and youth. It emphasized the importance of acceptance, unity in diversity, and peaceful coexistence as foundations for common citizenship. The Summit discussed Mahatma Ghandi’s life and remembered his great contributions to humanity through his advocacy for peaceful and inclusive societies. Discussions at the Summit reaffirmed that religious leaders are crucial in addressing present challenges and finding shared sustainable solutions to overcome them. On the second day of the Summit, the KAICIID-supported United Nations Plan of Action to Prevent Atrocity Crimes was presented in the local language.
Following the Summit on 9-10 December, a training commenced at the Headquarters of Parmarth Niketan for 56 young leaders and faith actors. The participants were trained by Scout Dialogue Trainers who were previously trained by KAICIID; they learned best practices to promote peace, reconciliation, and conflict resolution through dialogue.
KAICIID Programmes Director Safiullah Munsoor emphasized the importance of the collaboration between KAICIID, WASH, and Parmarth Niketan: “This partnership is important for us to enhance interreligious dialogue within the Indian context. Together, we are working to accomplish the noble goal of strengthening peace and harmony, which is the quintessential aspect of life of all religions and between and within communities.”
In parallel to the two day youth training that was delivered by Scouts in Rishkesh, KAICIID organized yet another training that was delivered by KAICIID Fellows to a group of 21 youth from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Among the topics of discussion was the prevention of incitement that leads to atrocity crimes, as stipulated in the UN Plan of Action.