Prince Hassan calls for increasing interfaith dialogue to address conflicts

AMMAN — HRH Prince Hassan, chairperson of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies’ Board of Trustees, on Friday called for increasing dialogue among followers of different religions. 

Participating in a symposium on Friday, organised by the Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) in Rome, Prince Hassan said that the aim of dialogue was to find common realities based on mutual understandings to settle conflicts.

The prince also highlighted the importance of adopting scientific approaches, focusing on creativity and innovation, as well as instilling the concepts of pluralism, diversity and mutual respect within societies, according to a statement issued by the prince’s office on Monday.

In his speech, the prince said that man is the basis for development, and he called for the humanising of figures and statistics. 

Prince Hassan also proposed establishing a regional observatory in the Levant to monitor and address negative stereotypes, fanaticism and polarisation.

ISPI President Giampiero Massolo highlighted the important role of academic institutions, including research and political studies centres, in providing a platform for dialogue and policy making to support decision makers.

Fabio Petito, head of the religions and international relations at ISPI, called for changing concepts and creating new and effective partnerships, stressing the importance of focusing in the concept of international citizenship and human dignity. 

Founder of the Academy of Religions Alberto Melloni highlighted the importance of dialogue in peace building and called on leaders to move from dialogue to building partnerships.

Head of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Bishop Miguel Angel Ayuso, said there was also a need to work towards the public’s interest as well as respect human lives and freedoms of beliefs, highlighting the significance of dialogue and accepting others.

ISPI is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit think tank that provides research and policy options to government officials, business executives and the public at large, according to the statement.