President of the Evangelical Community Witnesses the Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding Between the Coptic Evangelical Organization and Mohamed Bin Zayed University
Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities organized a scientific conference titled “Diversity and Coexistence: A Roadmap for a Shared Future”, in cooperation with the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services. This event aimed to enhance academic and societal dialogue, empower youth, and spread the culture of coexistence.
The conference witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties in the presence of prominent religious and academic figures, including Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki, President of the Evangelical Community in Egypt and Head of the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services, and Dr. Najlaa Al-Naqbi, Vice President of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities.
Opening Remarks Emphasize the Importance of Education in Supporting Coexistence
In his opening speech, Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki emphasized that “education is the cornerstone for building societies capable of managing diversity with awareness and positivity,” highlighting that “academic and religious institutions play a pivotal role in promoting a culture of dialogue and openness.”
On her part, Dr. Najlaa Al-Naqbi stressed Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities’ commitment to offering educational programs that support shared human values, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between academic and religious institutions to build more aware and tolerant societies.
Conference Sessions Discuss Coexistence Initiatives and the Role of Education in Promoting Tolerance
The conference included several scientific sessions discussing various aspects of the role of education in achieving coexistence and enhancing mutual understanding.
🔹 Session One: “Success Stories of Coexistence Initiatives”
Dr. Rev. Riad Jirjour, President of the Forum for Dialogue, Culture, and Development in Lebanon, presented successful experiences in enhancing religious and cultural pluralism.
Professor Adnan Ibrahim, Advisor to Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, discussed the role of education in establishing a culture of interfaith dialogue.
Dr. Nizar Samida, Assistant Professor at the university, provided examples of educational models that contributed to supporting peaceful coexistence.
The session was moderated by journalist and writer Hamdi Rizk, who highlighted the importance of media in shedding light on initiatives supporting intercultural dialogue.
🔹 Session Two: “Education as a Strategic Tool for Promoting Understanding and Coexistence”
This session addressed the impact of curricula in building awareness that promotes diversity, and the importance of cooperation between academic and religious institutions in spreading a culture of tolerance and openness.
Professor Mohamed Osman Al-Kheshht, Member of the Scientific Council at Mohamed Bin Zayed University, spoke about the relationship between developing educational discourse and embedding community acceptance concepts.
Dr. Karima Al-Mazrouei, Advisor to Mohamed Bin Zayed University, reviewed academic efforts to develop educational programs that support pluralism.
Dr. Nevine Massad, Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo University, highlighted the importance of integrating concepts of cultural pluralism into educational curricula.
The session was moderated by Professor Ridwaan Al-Sayyid, Member of the Senior Scientific Council at Mohamed Bin Zayed University, who concluded his remarks by emphasizing the pivotal role of academic institutions in supporting a culture of dialogue and intellectual openness.
Signing the Memorandum of Understanding to Enhance Academic and Societal Cooperation
On the sidelines of the conference, the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services and Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement was signed by Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki on behalf of Egypt and Dr. Najlaa Al-Naqbi on behalf of the UAE.
The agreement aims to: ✅ Empower academic leaders and youth.
✅ Exchange experiences and prepare joint studies and research.
✅ Launch awareness initiatives that promote a culture of dialogue and tolerance.
Partnership within the Framework of the Forum for Cultural Dialogue’s Activities
The signing of this agreement is part of the activities of the Forum for Cultural Dialogue affiliated with the Coptic Evangelical Organization, which has been working for over thirty years to build strategic partnerships with government, educational institutions, and civil society organizations to establish a culture of mutual understanding and enhance the capacity of communities to manage diversity positively.
Conference Conclusion and Future Aspirations
At the end of the conference, participants expressed their hopes that this partnership would contribute to: ✔ Creating an intellectual environment that supports cultural diversity.
✔ Enhancing opportunities for understanding and cooperation among different communities.
✔ Supporting sustainable development goals and promoting societal stability in the region.
