Vatican City: The Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace took part in the 'World in the Making Summit', also known as the 'Shape the World Summit 2025', at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Vatican City, Rome, from June 12 to 13. The summit served as a gathering for decision-makers, business leaders, and academic figures to develop a unified vision for a more harmonious world.
According to Emirates News Agency, Shaikh Al Mahfouz bin Bayyah, the Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, delivered a speech titled 'Challenges of Peace in a Hostile World'. He stressed that building peace is an ongoing effort and an everlasting goal. He stated, "When well-being and security prevail, we talk about peace to preserve and sustain it; and when wars and unrest escalate, calling for peace becomes a vital necessity and a moral duty to save humanity and protect nations."
Bin Bayyah described peace as a 'system of human values that yields tranquillity and reassurance, which settle in hearts and minds.' He showcased several initiatives by the Forum, aligning with the vision of the United Arab Emirates, to establish a narrative of peace. These initiatives, which have gained international recognition, include the Marrakech Declaration on the Rights of Religious Minorities in the Islamic World, the New Alliance of Virtue Charter, and the Abu Dhabi Declaration for Inclusive Citizenship.
He further highlighted the Forum's achievement in dissociating religion from violence, transforming it into a constructive force. This achievement has been pivotal in the past decade, focusing on using religion as part of the solution rather than the problem.
Bin Bayyah stressed that achieving global peace requires a collective human effort to redirect resources and energies towards stability, prosperity, and innovation. He underlined the importance of a value-based human approach, advocating for human relations grounded in goodness, love, and justice.
Additionally, on June 11, during his visit to Italy and on the sidelines of the summit, the Secretary-General participated in a roundtable titled 'Changing the Conversation on Religious Freedom: A Holistic Approach to Human Development,' organised by the Atlantic Council.