Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed members of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity at a Sea Palace barza in Abu Dhabi.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces also met members of the Aqdar World Summit, an annual event held under his patronage to discuss key international issues such as education, youth empowerment and food security, during high-level gatherings in the capital on Monday.
He was joined by a number of senior UAE decision-makers, including Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance, and Zaki Nusseibeh, Minister of State.
The committee was formed last August to implement the Human Fraternity Document, signed by Pope Francis and Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, during their landmark visit to the UAE six months previously.
The multi-faith committee, which has members from the UAE, Egypt, Spain and Italy, was tasked with developing a framework to ensure the objectives of the global Declaration of Human Fraternity are realised.
It will draft, implement and oversee plans to put the goals of the document in place and meet religious leaders, heads of international organisations and others to support and spread document’s message.
The higher committee will also urge legislative authorities to adhere to the document’s provisions, which aim to instil the values of mutual respect and coexistence in national legislation.
The Human Fraternity Document was signed in Abu Dhabi this year during the Pope’s visit to the UAE – the first visit to the GCC from the head of the Catholic Church.
It is a joint declaration of efforts to unite humanity and work towards world peace to ensure future generations can live in an atmosphere of mutual respect and healthy coexistence.
Members of the higher committee include: Bishop Miguel Guixot, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue; Prof Mohamed Mahrasawi, President of Al-Azhar University; Monsignor Yoannis Gaid, Personal Secretary of Pope Francis; Judge Mohamed Abdel Salam, Advisor to the Grand Imam; Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Dr Sultan Al Rumaithi, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders; and Yasser Al Muhairi, an Emirati writer and media personality.
