On November 28, 2024 an online round table was held, organized by the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue and the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (Qatar). The event was attended by representatives of religious associations, experts in the field of sustainable development, diplomats, as well as scientists specializing in dialogue and social sustainability from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Malaysia, Pakistan, India and Kazakhstan.
The purpose of the round table is to explore the importance of the role of religious leaders in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, as well as friends and participants of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in promoting humanitarian values.
Through reflection on the role of faith in sustainable development and exploring the potential of religious initiatives and interfaith partnerships, this round table provided a fresh perspective on how religious leaders, communities and institutions can work together to address the most pressing global issues of our time.
The study of the relationship between faith and sustainable development has become one of the main topics for discussion at the round table. At the same time, during the conversation, the importance of cooperation between faiths and communities was emphasized, as well as the role of interfaith dialogue in strengthening collective action in solving global problems.
Opening the event, Bulat Sarsenbayev, Adviser of the Chairman of the Center, noted that religious organizations and religious leaders have long been making their contribution to strengthening interfaith dialogue, developing education and caring for the environment. «by working together, we can ensure that moral and ethical values shared by all religious traditions are used to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and build a more just and inclusive world».
In turn, Ravan Hasanov, Executive Director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre, stressed that today's discussion reflects the values that unite us, emphasizing that although our beliefs may differ, our commitment to the protection of our planet and the development of humanity knows no boundaries. Throughout history, each of the Abrahamic religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - have emphasized the importance of preserving creation.
«Faith communities and their leaders have always been steadfast beacons of moral clarity and compassion. In today’s interconnected world, their influence extends to addressing global priorities such as promoting peace, eradicating poverty, providing proper education to our children, advancing gender equality, protecting the environment, and building strong partnerships» - noted The Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue, Prof. Ibrahim Salih Al-Naimi.
The online round table demonstrated the high level of interest of religious and expert communities in the joint promotion of sustainable development goals. The organizers expressed gratitude to all participants and confirmed their readiness to continue cooperation to achieve global goals through the prism of faith, dialogue and joint efforts in the framework of promoting the Development of the Concept of the Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for 2023-2033.
