**Dr. Reverend Andrea Zaki:** Raising awareness is the essential step in building a democratic society. Living together is not just a theoretical concept but is based on initiatives and practical application.
**His Eminence Prof. Dr. Shawki Allam:** The Egyptian society is unique, and the national fabric cannot be torn apart under any pretext or in the face of any challenge. Dar al-Iftaa has boldly confronted fatwas that threatened the security of the community and ensured that fatwas do not become an obstacle to societal stability.
**EU Ambassador Christian Berger:** Democracy is a continuous learning journey. This project aims to build an influential generation of youth in the field of democracy and community peace.
**Media Personality Hamdi Rizk:** The Forum for Intercultural Dialogue plays a commendable and significant role in promoting dialogue. The Democracy and Community Peace Project is a pioneering project with good outcomes.
Today, Tuesday, the Forum for Intercultural Dialogue at the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services concluded the activities of the “Supporting Democracy and Community Peace” project. The event was attended by Dr. Reverend Andre Zaki, President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt and President of the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services, His Eminence Prof. Dr. Shawki Allam, Mufti of Egypt, Ambassador Christian Berger, European Union Ambassador to Egypt, media personality Hamdi Rizk, Ms. Samira Luka, Senior Head of the Dialogue Sector at the Coptic Evangelical Organization, and a distinguished group of intellectuals, Muslim and Christian religious leaders, media professionals, and academics.
Participants’ Speeches
**Dr. Reverend Andrea Zaki:**
“Democracy and community peace are inseparable values. Community peace is built on several foundations, the most important of which are democracy, coexistence, and acceptance of others. Coexistence is not just a theoretical academic concept but is based on practical initiatives in which civil society organizations play a significant and active role, alongside religious, educational, and academic institutions. Raising awareness and promoting the practice of democracy are essential steps in building a democratic society.”
**His Eminence Prof. Dr. Shawki Allam:**
“Dar al-Iftaa is keen to ensure that fatwas act as a catalyst and supporter of societal stability and do not become an obstacle to this stability. Dar al-Iftaa has boldly confronted fatwas that threatened the security of the community and were alien to Egyptian society. The Egyptian society is unique, and the national fabric cannot be torn apart under any pretext or in the face of any challenge. The openness to social media and artificial intelligence poses a challenge to individuals, institutions, and educational fields if not ethically regulated.”
**Ambassador Christian Berger:**
“This project supports the efforts of civil society in Egypt. Supporting this project comes within the context of the European Union’s values in supporting democracy and dialogue. Democracy is a continuous learning journey, and the project aims to support a new generation of Egyptian leaders in all fields to build an influential generation in society.”
**Media Personality Hamdi Rizk:**
“The Forum for Intercultural Dialogue plays a commendable and significant role in promoting dialogue. The Democracy and Community Peace Project is a pioneering project with good outcomes. Community and cultural dialogue and the call for tolerance are all sincere national actions.”
**Ms. Samira Luka:**
“The ‘Supporting Democracy and Community Peace in Egyptian Society’ project launched in January 2022, aims to contribute to building a democratic society that supports human rights, pluralism, inclusivity, and tolerance. It aimed to increase the capacity of 200 young leaders from local communities in Cairo, Alexandria, Minya, and Assiut, to promote and practice tolerance, coexistence, and active citizenship in their communities. The project also ensured balanced gender representation, with at least 30 percent of participants being women.”
