The official launch of the School of Religious Diplomacy (SRD) for Leadership Development and Global Cooperation took place on 21 May 2025 at The World Bank in Washington, DC. This important initiative was organized by the Civilizations Exchange & Cooperation Foundation (CECF) and Al Basheer Seminary, in partnership with the United Nations (UN) Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect and the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indonesia. The SRD is designed to enhance the capacity of religious leaders and faith-based actors to engage strategically in dialogue, mediation, and conflict prevention efforts.
The inauguration of the School of Religious Diplomacy is a timely and strategic step in advancing global peace and cooperation. Through the empowerment of religious leaders and structured capacity building, CECF and its partners are laying a strong foundation for inclusive dialogue and sustainable development, rooted in shared human values.
The UN Office of Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect issued a Press Release on 23 May 2025 after the inauguration of the SRD in Washington, DC.
The launch brought together high-level international and interfaith leaders, experts, and diplomats, including:
- Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat – Founding President, Civilizations Exchange & Cooperation Foundation (CECF) and Founder and Dean of Al Basheer Seminary, Interfaith Center, and Institute
- Ms. Virginia Gamba – United Nations Acting Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide
- Dr. Nasaruddin Umar – Minister of Religious Affairs of Indonesia
- Dr. Yasser Helmy – Head, International Excellence and Institutional Development Center, Al-Azhar University
- Jean-Michel Brun – Journalist, filmmaker, and organizer of the International Conference for Peace and Solidarity
- Mr. Yassir Houtch – Senior Advisor and Trainer, CECF (Countering and Preventing Violent Extremism)
- Ms. Simona Cruciani – Head of Programmes, UN Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide
Key Discussions
The launch emphasized the vital and evolving role of religious diplomacy in promoting peace, protecting human rights, and supporting sustainable development. Speakers highlighted the responsibility of religious leaders to go beyond traditional roles and actively engage in global affairs as moral voices and agents of reconciliation and hope. They underscored the alignment between the SRD’s mission and the Fez Plan of Action, which recognizes the unique capacity of religious actors to prevent incitement to violence and promote inclusive, just societies. Interactive discussions explored the value of faith-based approaches in fostering dialogue, resolving conflict, and strengthening community engagement, underscoring the indispensable role of religious actors in peacebuilding.
Next Steps
The SRD will launch a series of dedicated capacity building programs designed to equip religious leaders with the tools and frameworks needed to act as global peacemakers and bridge builders. Participants and institutional partners affirmed their readiness to support the SRD’s activities and to collaborate in broader initiatives that advance dialogue, prevent violence, and nurture mutual respect among diverse communities.
Considering all the things mentioned above, the BUBW Conference 2025 in Baltimore undeniably became one of the most insightful highlights of the year for lots of passionate ones. It is certainly true that every single conversation there did carry way more behind it than meets the eye. Last but not least, the conference definitely can be distinguished not only by its efficiency and productivity but also the miracle of how fast those having the same mindset become bonded together for a great cause. This truly proves the relativity of the definition of time when it comes to dealing with the power which cannot be observed on a surface level and requires a more profound comprehension.
