Muslim and Jewish leaders urge UN secretary-general to promote interfaith dialogue and coexistence

LONDON: The secretary-general of the Muslim World League (MWL) and the president of the World Jewish Congress(WJC) met UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, on Tuesday and asked to promote interfaith dialogue and coexistence as a way to forge consensus on many of the world's greatest challenges.

During the meeting, the two faith leaders urged the UN secretary-general to advocate for religious freedom and an end to violence against houses of worship. They emphasized that religions have a unique power to unite individuals given that their common source is mercy and peace.

For the first time, The MWL and WJC issued a joint statement before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Oct. 4 pledging an interfaith commitment to promoting and protecting human rights for all.

The two faith leaders renewed their commitment to working together to promote religious tolerance around the globe and leveraging their influence as leaders of independent, global organizations that are apolitical but wield significant moral standing.

Both organizations reiterated the need to safeguard religious freedom globally and the right of individuals to practice their religion as a basic human right.

Meanwhile, the president of WJC Ronald S. Lauder said that the world must stand together against racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia etc. He added that many manifestations of hate can be defended and prevented more effectively if both Abrahamic faiths and other religions worldwide are united.