UAE’s Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities Participates in International Peace Dialogue Conference in Moscow
Moscow, The Gulf Observer: Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities participated in the international conference “Bridges of Dialogue for Peace,” held in Moscow with the participation of religious leaders, academics and prominent public figures from around the world.
The conference focused on strengthening interfaith dialogue, countering extremism and hate speech, and promoting the universal values of tolerance, coexistence and human dignity.
The university’s participation reflected its commitment to expanding academic and intellectual exchanges, sharing expertise on contemporary challenges, and contributing to international discussions on the role of academic and religious institutions in fostering mutual understanding among nations and cultures.
Dr. Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, delivered the keynote address at the opening session, highlighting the UAE’s experience in promoting tolerance, coexistence and intercultural understanding.
He commended the dialogue and intellectual initiatives of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation and praised its role in organising the international conference.
Dr. Al Dhaheri underscored the responsibility of religious leaders and institutions to safeguard human dignity and the sanctity of life while confronting extremist narratives that misuse religion to justify violence.
He emphasized that fulfilling this responsibility requires direct engagement with young people, listening to their concerns, addressing their questions and strengthening their capacity for understanding and critical thinking.
Such engagement, he noted, can protect younger generations from manipulation and polarization while directing their energies towards education, productive work and service to their communities.
He also called for translating the conference’s outcomes into practical programmes and initiatives reaching schools, universities, places of worship and digital platforms. He stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation among religious institutions to promote compassion, peace and justice.
Dr. Al Dhaheri further emphasized that these principles should be reflected in public discourse, educational systems and everyday practices to ensure that their positive impact is experienced by individuals and communities.
Meanwhile, Dr. Maryam Al Zaidi, Head of the Department of Philosophy and Ethics at the university, participated in the conference’s second session, titled “Family Values in the Modern World: Tradition as a Choice.”
She highlighted the importance of preserving family cohesion and values amid rapid social transformations and globalisation, while underscoring the role of religious and spiritual institutions, governments and civil society organisations in strengthening family structures.
Dr. Al Zaidi observed that language, national traditions and cultural heritage constitute the collective memory of nations and form the foundation of their cultural identity. She stressed that transmitting these values to younger generations requires sustained educational and community-based efforts.
She also noted that exchanging experiences among countries and religious institutions helps develop effective approaches to family education and spiritual and moral upbringing, strengthening the family’s role in shaping the perspectives and values of future generations.
The conference sessions addressed a wide range of issues, including the role of religious institutions in promoting dialogue and countering extremism and hate speech, strengthening family cohesion, preserving cultural identity, and advancing education to develop young people’s awareness and instil the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
