MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
Interfaith diplomacy has moved from the margins to the mainstream of international relations, emerging as a vital tool for trust-building and global cooperation, speakers said at a high-level panel discussion in Abu Dhabi. The event examined whether structured interfaith engagement could help redefine approaches to peace and diplomacy.
Held under the theme “Can Interfaith Diplomacy Redefine Global Peace and Cooperation?”, the discussion brought together diplomats, policymakers, academics, and faith leaders. It featured a keynote address by Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Committee on Defence, Interior, and Foreign Affairs at the Federal National Council (FNC), followed by a panel moderated by Prof Joel Hayward, Senior Research Fellow at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) and the Abrahamic Family House.
Panellists included Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), and Dr Ebtesam Al-Ketbi, President and Founder of the Emirates Policy Center. Together, they explored how religion, belief, and cultural understanding increasingly shape international relations, conflict prevention, and social cohesion.
Dr Al Dhaheri stressed that diplomacy today extends far beyond traditional political or economic frameworks.
“Diplomacy is no longer only about politics or economics; it also includes interfaith engagement,” he said, explaining that AGDA has fully integrated interfaith diplomacy into its training programmes.
He noted that the academy incorporates interfaith studies within its curriculum for young diplomats, local trainees, and international participants, in addition to research, publications, and public dialogue events.
According to Dr Al Dhaheri, communication is the cornerstone of effective interfaith diplomacy. “Diplomats must communicate not only with their peers, but with societies and communities at large,” he said, adding that understanding different cultures, religions, and historical backgrounds is essential to building trust and preventing conflict.
The panel also reflected on lessons learned from international and regional interfaith initiatives. Dr Al Dhaheri cautioned against using interfaith diplomacy as a political instrument, stressing that such approaches are neither credible nor sustainable.
“Interfaith diplomacy should never be used as a weapon to gain political influence,” he said. “It must be a lived commitment, consistent and continuous, even during times of crisis and regional shocks.”
The discussion also highlighted the unique role faith leaders can play in mediation. Panellists noted that religious figures often retain social legitimacy and trust within communities, allowing them to counter hate speech, reduce polarisation, and keep dialogue open during times of crisis.
The UAE’s experience in promoting coexistence and tolerance featured prominently in the discussion. Dr Al Dhaheri described the country’s approach as a strategic state-building choice rather than a public relations exercise.
“Coexistence in the UAE is not messaging or propaganda; it is part of our social fabric,” he said, pointing to the country’s long history of hosting mosques, churches, synagogues, and temples, even before the formation of the Union.
Panelists concluded that interfaith diplomacy, when grounded in authenticity, education, and sustained engagement, can play a decisive role in building bridges between societies.