Peace is a core value and a center of teaching in all religions as it is a foundational element for human harmony and global stability, guiding moral and spiritual teachings.
Without peace, spending even a single moment free from fear and loss of life is unimaginable. In times of conflict, distrust and division would dominate societies, development would stall, threatening the very fabric of civilization and jeopardizing the future of the generation.
At the heart of peace building, the role of religious leaders is wide ranging. Their influence in promoting compassion, tolerance, and understanding among diverse comminutes, is far-reaching. By offering moral guidance, promoting empathy and acceptance, mediating disputes and inspiring peaceful coexistence, religious leaders play a crucial role in nurturing peace that transcends cultural, political, and religious boundaries.
As part of this, a conference on Africa’s Faith Communities: Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union Agenda 2063 and G20 South Africa’s 2025 Process, that aims to strengthen partnerships between Africa’s faith communities and key stakeholders at accelerating development, peace building were held in Addis Ababa.
The Interfaith conference, which was held for two consecutive days- from May 13 to 14, 2025- focused primarily on peace building and climate change, while also addressing critical themes such as human rights protection, natural resource management, and education.
In his opening speech, President Taye Atske Selassie expressed the necessity for more empowerment of religious organizations to achieve lasting peace and progress in Africa.
“Interfaith dialogue is not merely a moral imperative. It is a practical force for progress. When religious leaders unite in advocating for the common good of mankind, they amplify collective voices and mobilize grassroots action. This is indeed a lived experience of Ethiopia, the President said.
According to the President, faith-based organizations are already at the forefront of humanitarian aid, conflict resolutions and at some instances in democratic dispensations; which in turn contributes to the key pillars of sustainable development as stipulated at the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the AU Agenda 2063
Mentioning that Africa is a pivotal region faces the full impact of global geopolitical and geo-economic shifts, the President underscored the need for renewed commitment to address emerging challenges.
“While our regional and sub-regional organizations have built mechanisms and devised peace and security architectures, a renewed commitment is needed to address set of complex emerging challenges. Today’s conversation comes at the critical juncture where the African Union is calling for justice for Africa and people of African descent through reparation.”
As Africa calls for justice to its people and the people of African descent, reparative justice becomes not just an economic or legal matter but a moral necessity, President Taye remarked.
According to him, reparative justice is about healing one’s minds, restoring human dignity and building a future where justice is a reality for all.
Ethiopia’s spiritual heritage emphasizes on the centrality of humanity and coexistence. However, like many other nations, the country had passed through conflicts stemming from poverty, lack of development and progress. Today, Ethiopia is pursuing a new path forward through its National Dialogue process. Through this mechanism, the country is working determinedly prioritizing the urgent need to embrace dialogue over discord, harmony over dissension and compassion over callosity or heartlessness.
In this respect, the President acknowledged and appreciated the vital and utmost importance of religious leaders to the national dialogue saying it has been nothing short of vital and indispensible. He also extended his heartfelt gratitude for religious leaders not merely as an acknowledgement of their efforts but a tribute to their enduring role in shaping a more harmonious and prosperous Ethiopia. At the same time, he urged all Ethiopians to embrace this critical moment with courage and conviction.
“Indeed, we have the courage to make peace and peace is the reward for our resilience to sustain our social fabrics that kept Ethiopia together for thousands of years.”
President Taye also called upon participants to reaffirm their collective commitment to translating the dialogue into meaningful action, emphasizing that the challenges demand more than dialogue but require decisive collaboration and tangible actions. “I call upon all gathered here to put forward this mission with renewed determination,” he said, ensuring our spiritual values to assure concrete, lasting progress for our people.”
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf on his part stated that the African Union aims to promote religious freedom and equality in its pursuit to advance peace and development across the continent. He also hailed the faith groups as vital partners in advancing the SDGs Agenda 2063 and shaping global policy through the AU’s G20 seat. He called for inclusive action, strategic unity, and deeper engagement of religious leaders in promoting peace, justice, and development across Africa.
The Chairperson commended Ethiopia’s longstanding tradition of religious tolerance and solidarity, noting that it serves as a model for other countries, ENA reported.
Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia Secretary-General, Kesis Tagay Tadele reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to fostering cooperation among faiths for peace and development, while promoting love and harmony.
United Religions Initiative (URO) for Africa Regional Director, Amb. Mussie Hailu emphasized the role of religious organizations in achieving a prosperous Africa by 2063 and highlighted the need for respect, collaboration, and collective efforts to address global challenges.
Organizers underscored that the deliberations and outcomes of the conference will significantly contribute to the forthcoming G20 Interfaith Forum, positioning African voices at the heart of global dialogue.
The two-day conference aims to provide insights to G-20 member nations on addressing social and economic issues such as peace building, human rights, climate change, and environmental protection.
Organized collaboratively by the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia, United Religions Initiative–Africa, and the G20 Interfaith Forum, alongside several African Union institutions, the conference gathered a wide range of participants. These included religious and traditional leaders, interfaith and faith-based groups, diplomats, policymakers, NGOs, academics, and civil society members from within Africa and around the world it was learned.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 15 MAY 2025
