HCHF secretary-general to g20 interfaith forum: everyone has a role and responsibility in advancing human fraternity

HCHF SECRETARY-GENERAL TO G20 INTERFAITH FORUM: EVERYONE HAS A ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY IN ADVANCING HUMAN FRATERNITY

BOLOGNA, ITALY – Human fraternity is the antidote to the sufferings of today’s world and every person has the responsibility to cooperate in building a better future, said Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF) Secretary-General Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the G20 Interfaith Forum in Bologna, Italy.

“Human fraternity is a shared responsibility, which no individual or institution can achieve without real cooperation with others,” said Judge Abdelsalam, adding that the HCHF prioritizes cooperation because it recognizes that “change can only be achieved through solidarity and unification of efforts.”

He praised the partnership between two of the world’s great religious figures – His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb – that culminated in the historic Document on Human Fraternity. Judge Abdelsalam described the Document as a path of light to help humanity overcome its darkness.

In order to achieve the goals in the Document, the HCHF has adopted ambitious initiatives including the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity and the Abrahamic Family House, a symbol of interfaith and intercultural appreciation, according to Judge Abdelsalam.

Judge Abdelsalam shared a moment of human fraternity he witnessed between Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar during a private dinner, in which Pope Francis picked up a piece of bread, cut it in two halves, and gave the other half to the Grand Imam. Each ate their half in a symbolic act of coexistence.

“Humanity is in dire need of this culture of sharing bread – not only by words, but by actions,” Judge Abdelsalam told the audience.

It is not only world leaders who have a duty to harness their efforts to better the world, but people in all positions and fields, according to Judge Abdelsalam.

“Religious institutions are called to guide societies towards values of mercy and peace; artists are called to reveal the beauty of these values; and media professionals are called to build a public opinion characterized by coexistence and tolerance,” he said.

“Our common goal is a better world for our youth, children, and future generations; a world in which everyone believes that life, security, peace, goodness, justice and equality are rights that every person should have,” Judge Abdelsalam added.

Judge Abdelsalam commended the Vatican’s initiatives to organize climate change forums in preparation of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26. He also called on the international community and countries around the world to come together and collaborate on COVID-19 vaccine equity, specifically providing access to impoverished communities around the world.

Judge Abdelsalam’s remarks were part of the closing ceremony of the G20 Interfaith Forum, an annual platform where a network of religiously linked institutions and initiatives engage on global agendas. The theme of this year’s forum is “Time to heal: Peace among cultures, understanding between religions.”