On June 27, at a virtual meeting of the G20 Interfaith Forum focused on the Arab Region, over 70 religious leaders, policymakers and environmental experts focused on priorities ahead of this year’s G20 Summit in Riyadh as well as long-term goals for the region. These included strengthening social cohesion and promoting peaceful coexistence in the Arab Region, as well as protecting the environment. 

Attendees included dignitaries from Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Palestine.  

“These consultation meetings present a platform and a great chance to get to know each other and to consult and cooperate between individuals and religious actors and leaders to contribute in recommending and putting forth recommendations for the G20 summit,” said Faisal bin Muaammar, KAICIID Secretary General.

“We are proud to present you the aims for the G20 summit and the aims of the interfaith Forum for sustainability, cohesion, and cooperation which will reflect on the priorities of the aims proposed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he continued. 

“Had it not been to for the public response to the guidance of religious leaders in providing food and personal protective health equipment which complimented the efforts of individuals, institutions and the community. Today, we would be talking about a painful humanitarian catastrophe”. 

Said H.E. Ivan Faeq Yaqoub Jabro, Iraq’s Minister of Migration and Displacement in her speech stressing the important role of religious institutions in helping policy makers.

Speakers included Dr Iyad Abumoghli, Director of Faith for Earth Strategic Engagement with Faith Based Organizations, United Nations Environment Programme, H.E. Fayez al Shahry, Member of the Supreme Council, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Arab Region’s religious leaders, policymakers and experts will meet again on July 3 to present recommendations to be included into a programme ahead of the G20 Interfaith Forum, scheduled to meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in October.

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Prepared by our partners at KAICIID