"Leading Global Models in Spreading and Enhancing the Values of Human Fraternity" at a Seminar in the Muslim Council of Elders' Pavilion at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

Dr. Ouided Bouchamaoui, 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate: Establishing a Socially, Culturally, and Civically Open Generation Contributing to Peacebuilding and Tolerance

Dr. Noura Al-Karbi, Professor in the Sociology Department at the University of Sharjah: Unifying Global Efforts in Promoting Tolerance and Human Fraternity to Build a Future Dominated by Peace and Prosperity for All

The Muslim Council of Elders' Pavilion at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024 organized a seminar titled: "Global Models of Human Fraternity," presented by Dr. Ouided Bouchamaoui, Professor at New York University Abu Dhabi and 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, alongside Dr. Noura Al-Karbi, Professor of Sociology and Head of the Community Relations Department for Scientific Research at the University of Sharjah.

At the beginning of the seminar, Dr. Ouided Bouchamaoui praised the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in promoting and enhancing the values of coexistence, human fraternity, and the special attention given by the Council to support and empower women, develop their capabilities, and enhance their role in various fields. She expressed her delight at the Council's participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair for a women's seminar discussing global leading models in human fraternity.

Dr. Bouchamaoui emphasized that the challenges facing our world today call for the establishment of a new global generation that is open to others socially, culturally, and civically, with the ability to bear responsibility and enhance peacebuilding and tolerance. She praised the efforts of the United Arab Emirates and its wise leadership in sponsoring and supporting various local, regional, and international initiatives and programs that promote the consolidation of tolerance and coexistence among different cultures and religions, as well as building bridges of communication and dialogue with others.

Dr. Noura Al-Karbi affirmed that the values of tolerance and human fraternity are the only path to overcome tendencies and conflicts, and these are continuous efforts characterized by wisdom, prudence, and honoring humanity. She pointed out that the United Arab Emirates is a global leading model in the field of human fraternity, as it has worked on the development and implementation of over 20 programs and initiatives within Emirati society, and sponsored and supported 25 local and international initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and enhancing cultural dialogue. Among the most prominent initiatives are the signing of the Human Fraternity Document, the launch of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, the establishment of the Abrahamic Family House, and the adoption by the United Nations of the International Day of Human Fraternity upon the signing of the Human Fraternity Document, which has set a new working path for cooperation in spreading the values of peace and human fraternity globally.

During the seminar, Dr. Noura Al-Karbi also praised the exceptional efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting peace in Muslim and non-Muslim societies, spreading and consolidating the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence, and highlighting the moderate approach and enlightened thinking of Islam, by correcting misconceptions and combating extremist ideologies and all forms of hatred, bigotry, and discrimination. She called for the necessity of unifying global efforts to promote tolerance and human fraternity to build a future dominated by peace and prosperity for all.

The Muslim Council of Elders is participating at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair with over 220 publications in 5 different languages, including 22 new releases addressing key intellectual issues. Additionally, it is set to host a series of seminars focusing on topics such as dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, youth, peacebuilding, and the environment alongside a corner for Arabic calligraphy and several entertainment activities for children. The council's pavilion is located in Hall 10, Pavilion 10 C17 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).