A strong call for deepening dialogue with action was made following an important global conference and workshop to coincide with the United Nation’s International Day for Tolerance.

The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs in the Sultanate of Oman in cooperation with Baraza committed themselves to advancing their partnership for peace. The events which were titled “Deepening Dialogue”, ran on 14th and 15th November at the Bandar al Jissa Resort in Muscat, Oman.

The context of the symposium was Oman’s flagship exhibition ‘Tolerance, Understanding, Coexistence - Oman’s Message of Islam’ which toured the world for a decade from April 2010. The discussions which took place this time involved the construction of ideas and schemes to advance to the next stage in an increasingly polarised world. Through its network, Baraza gathered 15 global experts who contributed effectively by generating a series of education, cultural and community project proposals to consider.

The Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs – H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Mamari who opened the meeting, declared his support for the work to advance to the next level.

H.E. Al Mamari said, “In the world today, we face a series of unpredictable local, national and international challenges. Whether poverty, human rights violations, victims of conflicts, wars, economic collapse, climate change, hate speech or the breakdown of values and ethics, the upheaval we are witnessing, reminds us of our shared human values and the benefits of the common good. The importance of human relationships is now more key to harmony and prosperity than ever before.

H.E. Al Mamari added, “We must face this turmoil with our moral compass which has stood the test of time. It is the only guide which directs humanity to flourish. It is now time to propose approaches which will help the world to regain its composure and to regenerate humanity across our planet. Dignity, fundamental human rights and security are the cornerstones of this way.

H.E. Al Mamari concluded by stating that he was “proud that the Sultanate of Oman’s flagship project, ‘Tolerance, Understanding, Coexistence - Oman’s Message of Islam’ has charted a positive future which we have the opportunity to advance. Through events, educational programmes and partnerships, let us take this chance to remake our world so that peace prevails.”

Georg Popp, President of Baraza said, “I was delighted with the outcome of the meetings this week which now provides us with a set of creative and realistic concepts to advance peace in Oman and beyond from 2023. Baraza’s partnership with the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs is long-standing and this week was further proof that we are mutually ready to progress our relationship.

Mr Popp added, “To accelerate shared human values and to ensure that are meaningful, we must complement dialogue with action and that was the key focus of our efforts.”

Among those who attended the gathering included representatives from European Development and Research Academy (Belgium), Open University (UK), International Association for the Expansion of Conscientology (Brazil), Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies | المعهد الملكي للدراسات الدينية (Jordan), URI Europe CCs, University Hamm-Lippstadt (Germany) and the Al Amana Centre (Oman).