Washington, February 07 (QNA) - Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) participated in the 2026 Global Faith Forum (GFF), held in Washington, D.C., under the theme: "Building a culture of kindness for the common good."

DICID was represented by its Chairman of the Board of Directors HE Prof. Ibrahim Saleh Al Naimi.

Multi-Faith Neighbors Network (MFNN) honored HE Prof. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Naimi with the prestigious Bridge Builder Award during a formal ceremony held on the sidelines of the 2026 Global Faith Forum in Washington, D.C.

This recognition affirms Prof. Al Naimi's prominent international standing and his pioneering leadership in the field of interfaith dialogue.

HE Prof. Al Naimi delivered a keynote address during the Forum's third session, titled: "Principles of Engaging with the Other: Reflections on Our Shared Humanity."

He opened his remarks by expressing pride in the Center's participation and extending gratitude to the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network and its partners for organizing this important event, commending their dedication to fostering dialogue, cooperation, and shared values among communities.

In his address, Prof. Al Naimi emphasized the principles of ethical engagement with others and the critical role of shared human values in promoting interfaith dialogue and building bridges of understanding and peace in a world experiencing growing divisions and tensions.

He addressed a central question posed by the Forum: "How do we recognize the humanity of those with whom we disagree?"

He highlighted that acknowledging shared humanity forms the moral foundation for any meaningful dialogue, citing Quranic and Prophetic teachings that emphasize human dignity and common origin, and stressing that:

"Differences of opinion or belief do not negate the ethical duty of respect, nor justify the denial of another's dignity."

HE Prof. Al Naimi further elaborated on the importance of reason, natural disposition (fitrah), and spirituality in sustaining relationships despite disagreements, noting:

"Humans are inherently inclined toward goodness and peace. Religions, at their core, call for noble character, justice, and compassion. Moreover, knowledge and education are essential pillars for responsible dialogue, as ignorance is a major source of misunderstanding and conflict. Scientific and dialogue-based platforms help dismantle stereotypes and cultivate an informed, ethical awareness."

Regarding human dignity, he underscored that protecting it is indispensable to our very humanity, particularly in the face of global challenges such as poverty, injustice, conflict, and displacement, and called for genuine international cooperation to counter forces that undermine human dignity.

HE Prof. Al Naimi also extended an invitation to participants to attend the 16th Doha Interfaith Conference, organized by Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue on April 21–23, 2026, under the title: "Religious Dialogue in the Digital Age: New Horizons for Peacebuilding."

The Center's participation in the 2026 Global Faith Forum underscores its leading role in promoting a culture of dialogue, reinforcing shared human values, and contributing to international efforts to foster peace, understanding, and coexistence among diverse religious and cultural communities.

The Forum brought together an exceptional gathering of religious leaders, thinkers, diplomats, and academics from diverse faiths and intellectual backgrounds to explore ways of promoting human understanding, coexistence, and building more cohesive communities in a world increasingly marked by polarization and division. (QNA)