The United Nations High Representative says, "Al-Azhar is an essential pillar for the United Nations initiatives and the most active institution in the field of dialogue among civilizations".
His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Prof. Ahmed Aṭ-ṬayyebAṭ- received Mr. Miguel Moratinos, the United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations on Saturday at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif's Headquarter to discuss cooperation between Al-Azhar and the United Nations in the areas of promoting peace and coexistence, confronting violence and extremism, and addressing hatred and Islamophobia.
Mr. Miguel Moratinos, the UN High Representative, said that the world needs constructive dialogues with the religious leaders to avoid the conflicts of religions and civilizations, the phenomenon which has become an anticipated threat. He also stressed that the Document of Human Fraternity is one of the most important foundations on which the United Nations will rely in its future initiatives to counter this phenomenon through the distribution of the Document for the 193 countries representing the UN member states. He also pointed out that Al-Azhar's efforts with the Vatican can take the world steps forward towards a better future.
Moratinos also pointed out that a joint committee will be formed between politicians and religious leaders. The first meeting will take place on May 13 at the United Nations Headquarter. Al-Azhar participation will be essential in these committees as it is a key pillar in the initiatives of the United Nations, being the most active institution in the dialogues among civilizations.
On his part, the Grand Imam welcomed the United Nations High Representative of the Alliance of Civilizations, stressing that Al-Azhar is always open to the religious institutions in the world, and that this openness has been fruitful and one of its fruits is the Document of Human Fraternity, which emerged from at the hands of Al-Azhar and the Vatican. He also noted that this document has become greatly important, especially in the light of the escalating phenomenon of Islamophobia, the discourse of hatred and the clash of civilizations.
His Eminence added that the world has become in urgent need of all peace initiatives, and that political leaders should recognize the importance of the religious dimension, which has occupied a special place in the hearts of people. He also warned those who try to involve religions in conflicts, especially Islam and Christianity. He also stressed that this conflict is more flammable than wars and economic crises, stressing that Al-Azhar extends its hands to all the initiatives that serve peace.