RIYADH: The Muslim World League (MWL) and the UN-mandated University for Peace (UPEACE) have launched a book dedicated to the promotion of peace, human rights, and dialogue among civilizations.
The work, co-authored by 32 leading religious, international, political, intellectual, and media figures from around the world, was launched in Jeddah to mark the UN’s 75th anniversary and 100 years of multilateralism.
Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the MWL, said: “I have always said that 10 percent of humans are capable of bringing peace and harmony to our world.
“Religious leaders and public and private institutions, including international institutions, have a responsibility to contribute effectively to achieving our common aspirations.
“A civilized alliance must be reached that represents the reality of understanding, tolerance, and cooperation of all, as well as promoting awareness of the fact that God has established the principles of difference, diversity, and pluralism.”
Al-Issa added: “History has given us lessons and sermons that prove that there is no victor in civilizational clashes and conflicts, which means that ideas can only be communicated through wisdom and mutual respect.”
Alvaro Iranzo Gutierrez, the Spanish ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said Spain had also tried to play a role in international efforts aimed at providing a structure for dialogue between communities and religions.
He pointed out that the book’s research, coordinated by UPEACE and the MWL, provided “the necessary and comprehensive intellectual refutation of all the negatives in order to rise above the perceptions of the past that highlights divisions.”
Francisco J. Chacon Hernandez, Costa Rica’s ambassador to the UAE and Jordan, congratulated the MWL and UPEACE on the “inspiring” work that he said would help pave the way for peace.
