CARIBPR WIRE, Lisbon, Portugal, 24 September 2024: The Center for International Dialogue – KAICIID is making important strides in pursuing United Nations (UN) observer status, as highlighted during the last meeting of the Council of Parties in Lisbon. This strategic initiative aligns with KAICIID’s mandate to promote Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (IRD/ICD) on a global scale, further reinforcing its role as a key player in promoting peace and cooperation among diverse communities.
During the meeting of the Council of the Parties, held on 13 September 2024, the governing body reiterated support for obtaining observer status at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and recommended continuing to strengthen partnerships with key UN entities. The meeting also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand the Centre’s membership, starting with the host country, Portugal.
Strategic Vision
KAICIID’s pursuit of UN observer status reflects its broader strategic vision to reposition the Center as a global player in intercultural and interfaith dialogue. As outlined in the Center’s recently approved Strategic Plan (2024–2027), achieving UN observer status is a top institutional priority. This move would strengthen KAICIID’s position within the international community, enabling it to participate in the sessions and work of the UN General Assembly in a more formal capacity.
Dr. Zuhair Alharthi, the Centre’s Secretary General (SG) has led efforts to advance this goal, engaging in high-level discussions with UN officials and key stakeholders. Recent missions to New York, including bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the UN High-Level Political Forum in July 2024, have received positive feedback from high-level UN officials and other international partners.
Building Partnerships for Peace
KAICIID’s journey to UN observer status is closely linked to its commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Through its work, KAICIID promotes multi-stakeholder partnerships, including collaborations with UN entities such as the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the UN Environment Program (UNEP), among others. The Centre’s unique expertise in IRD/ICD positions it as a valuable partner in global efforts to promote peace, human rights and sustainable development.
In addition to existing partnerships, KAICIID has been actively expanding its programmatic reach into new regions, including Latin America, with the aim of strengthening its presence globally and contributing to dialogue-based peacebuilding initiatives.
Next steps
As KAICIID progresses towards its goal of obtaining UN observer status, the Center will take the necessary steps for this complex and lengthy political process. A key element of this process involves the commitment of UN Member States to sponsor a draft resolution that would invite KAICIID to participate in the work of the UN as an observer.
The Center will continue its diplomatic engagements, leveraging its growing partnerships and strategic alliances to ensure a positive outcome. By securing UN observer status, KAICIID aims to further strengthen its role in promoting dialogue, peace and mutual understanding among the world’s diverse communities.
About KAICIID
KAICIID is an intergovernmental organization that brings together religious leaders and policy makers to promote the use of dialogue to resolve conflicts and foster understanding between different cultures and religions. Founded by Austria, Saudi Arabia and Spain, with the Holy See as founding observer, KAICIID’s mission is to promote peace and cooperation through dialogue at the global level.
Save 50.0% on select ILOUYU products with promo code 50L8K5V7, through 9/20 while supplies last.
