WOSM and KAICIID Renew Partnership to Promote Dialogue for Peace
The International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID and the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) signed on 30 October a new memorandum of understanding, setting a clear path to enhanced and expanded future collaboration. Building on a strong relationship that began in 2013, KAICIID and WOSM have reaffirmed their mutual interests and joint commitment to promote inter-religious and intercultural dialogue amongst young people and their communities.
Through the Dialogue for Peace programme, KAICIID and WOSM have increased the number of dialogue facilitators and trainers within the Scouting movement, helping Scouts acquire the skills to promote a culture of peace and create positive change in their communities. Since 2013, they have jointly trained over 1,000 people from 120 countries.
KAICIID has also contributed to the development of Guidelines for the Spiritual Development in Scouting and will continue to provide expertise in the development phase of WOSM’s Interreligious Dialogue programme.
H.E. Dr. Zuhair Alharthi, Secretary General, KAICIID, stated, "As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our collaboration this year, we are honoured to have WOSM as a steadfast partner in advancing youth leadership. Our shared initiatives, such as the Dialogue for Peace project, have reached thousands of young people, equipping them to counter hate speech and foster social cohesion within their communities.”
Mr. Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary-General of WOSM, “In today’s uncertain world – with conflict on the rise driven by war, climate change and disasters – fostering the values of peace, social cohesion, inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue have never been more important. Over the last ten years, our strategic partnership has instilled the values, skills, and practices of dialogue in thousands of Scouts and their communities worldwide. On behalf of the whole Scout Movement, we look forward to expanding our programme and advocacy activity together with KAICIID and continuing to work towards a more peaceful, just and tolerant world.”
The signing took place virtually with teams from both organisations present. The renewed partnership will seek to build on and expand the existing successes of the Dialogue for Peace initiative and other awareness activations around dialogue. The Dialogue for Peace Challenge Badge is an initiative co-designed by WOSM and KAICIID to develop competencies related to dialogue in young people to promote active listening, non-judgemental communications, and ultimately build a culture of peace.
