Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
From August 10 to 14, 2025, Cape Town in South Africa hosted the G20 Interfaith Forum, also called IF20. This important event brought together many people from around the world. These included religious leaders, government officials, people from civil society groups, scholars, and representatives of international organizations. The forum's goal was to find ways to solve big problems that affect everyone.
The theme of this year’s forum was "Ubuntu in Action: Focusing on Marginalised Communities." Ubuntu is a word from Africa that means “we are all connected” and that we must help and respect each other. The forum wanted to focus on helping people and communities who are often left out or ignored.
Muslim Council of Elders Joins the Forum
One of the important groups helping organize the forum was the Muslim Council of Elders. This council is made up of respected Muslim leaders from different countries. Their job is to promote peace, justice, and understanding in the world.
At the opening session of the forum, the Muslim Council of Elders spoke about the important role that religious leaders can play in solving today’s big problems. These problems include conflicts, wars, violence, and disputes that cause suffering to millions of people worldwide.
Religious Leaders Can Help Bring Peace
The council explained that religious leaders have a special position in society. Because many people listen to them, they can guide communities toward peace. But to do this well, religious leaders need to understand how relationships between people work. This includes both the causes of violence and ways to build peace.
The council said that fixing conflicts is not easy. It needs careful understanding and work at different levels—from families and neighborhoods to countries and the whole world. Religious leaders can use their influence to encourage forgiveness, dialogue, and respect between different groups.
Justice Needed for Our Planet and People
Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, speaking for the Muslim Council of Elders through Adama Dieng, a former United Nations official, said it is time for the world to demand justice for both the planet and its people.
He highlighted the suffering of the Palestinian people and the many others caught in wars and conflicts. These wars have caused tens of thousands of people to die, get hurt, or lose their homes. This is a serious test of our shared humanity. It shows how much we need to work together to stop violence and build peace.
Leadership of the Muslim Council of Elders
The Muslim Council of Elders is led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, who is the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, a highly respected Muslim religious leader. Under his leadership, the council is making strong efforts to promote peace and social unity in many parts of the world.
The council works to encourage ethical leadership. This means leaders should act fairly and with good values. Their approach is both practical and based on deep values. They believe faith can help solve real problems and bring people together.
Faith as a Force for Good
The council believes faith is very important in facing global challenges. They support interfaith dialogue, where people from different religions talk to each other and learn to understand one another better.
They also focus on young people, helping them learn about tolerance, living peacefully with others, and building friendships across different faiths. These are important values to create peaceful societies where everyone can live with respect and fairness.
Expanding Peace Efforts in Africa
Judge Abdelsalam also spoke about how the Muslim Council of Elders is working hard to increase its impact in Africa. They are supporting local religious leaders to help bring peace in their communities.
The council is also building partnerships with regional institutions in Africa. This work matches the forum’s focus on Africa’s special challenges and opportunities. The council wants to be part of the solutions to problems such as poverty, conflict, and social inequality on the continent.
Supporting the G20 Forum’s Call to Help All
The Muslim Council of Elders strongly supports the G20 Interfaith Forum’s call to "leave no one behind." This means making sure all people, especially those who are poor or vulnerable, get help and are included in development.
The council highlighted important issues like food security, migration, and justice. They said these issues have both economic and spiritual parts. They believe religious leaders have a responsibility to address these concerns with care and fairness.
A Call to Stop Wars and Build Justice
The council urged religious leaders everywhere to speak with one voice for justice and peace. They called for an end to all wars and conflicts that hurt millions of innocent people.
They believe that by returning to the core values of fairness, respect, and peace, the world can become a better place. Their hope is for a future where people live safely and happily without fear of violence.
The Importance of Unity and Cooperation
The G20 Interfaith Forum showed how people from different backgrounds and beliefs can work together. It is not just about religion but about shared humanity and responsibility.
The Muslim Council of Elders believes that cooperation between different faiths and cultures is the key to solving the world’s problems. By listening to each other and respecting differences, communities can find common ground to build peace.
The Role of Youth and Future Generations
Young people are important to the council’s work. They believe that today’s youth can be leaders for peace tomorrow. That is why they focus on education and empowerment of young people, helping them understand values like tolerance and coexistence.
By involving youth in interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding efforts, the council hopes to create a generation that works for harmony and justice worldwide.
Hope for a Better Future
The Muslim Council of Elders is playing an important role at the G20 Interfaith Forum. They bring a message of peace, justice, and support for marginalized communities.
They believe religious leaders have a great responsibility to help stop violence and build a future where all people are treated fairly. By working together and focusing on shared human values, the council hopes the world can become a safer and more peaceful place.
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