G20 Interfaith Forum begins on Oct. 13

The King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) and its international partners will launch the five-day G20 Interfaith Forum (Interfaith 7) on Tuesday.

The forum will be attended by 500 religious leaders, experts in various fields, and representatives of humanitarian organizations, global institutions, and policymakers. Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muammar, KAICIID secretarygeneral, said the holding this forum in Riyadh confirms the prominent global position of Saudi Arabia. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s key role in promoting values of tolerance and interfaith harmony, he said.

The KAICIID chief said the forum seeks to support efforts of individuals and religious figures to help them bring about a change in policymaking to promote peace and the culture of dialogue and tolerance.

He said a full-day program will be dedicated to the discussion on the consequences of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and ways to mitigate the global effects of the unprecedented health crisis. On the first day of the forum, participants will discuss the role of religion in building bridges and resolution of conflicts.

Three panel discussions will be held on the second day dedicated to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The third day’s session will highlight issues related to women’s empowerment, youth, and other vulnerable groups.

The last two days will focus on the role of religious institutions in fighting climate change and other issues facing the world.

The forum also seeks to increase awareness of the role of religious organizations in implementing the UN schedule for sustainable development 2030 which accommodates 17 objectives for sustainable development.

The forum highlights KSA’s key role in promoting values of tolerance.

Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muammar KAICIID secretary-general