IL VESCOVO DI PINEROLO RINGRAZIA LA EUROPEAN MUSLIMS LEAGUE PER IL PREMIO “COSTRUTTORI DI PACE” 2026

Dialogo interreligioso, giustizia e dignità umana al centro del messaggio di Mons. Derio Olivero

La European Muslims League (EML) ha ricevuto una lettera ufficiale, datata 7 ottobre 2026, da S.E. Mons. Derio Olivero, Vescovo di Pinerolo, che esprime il proprio ringraziamento per il conferimento del Premio “Costruttori di pace” 2026, nella categoria Dialogo interreligioso, giustizia e dignità umana.

La lettera, indirizzata al Presidente della European Muslims League, Alfredo Maiolese, rappresenta un significativo riconoscimento dell'impegno dell'organizzazione nella promozione della pace, della cooperazione tra le religioni e della dignità umana.

Mons. Olivero ha inoltre espresso il proprio apprezzamento per l'iniziativa internazionale “Un Calcio alla Guerra – Kick War Away”, promossa dalla European Muslims League.

Nel suo messaggio, il Vescovo ricorda di aver ricoperto per cinque anni l'incarico di Presidente della Commissione Episcopale della Conferenza Episcopale Italiana per l'Ecumenismo e il Dialogo Interreligioso, sottolineando il valore del dialogo tra le diverse comunità religiose presenti in Italia.

Particolare attenzione viene dedicata allo storico Patto tra i leader religiosi in Italia, firmato a Roma presso l'Ara Pacis e consegnato al Presidente della Repubblica Sergio Mattarella.

Un accordo che rappresenta un importante passo avanti nella costruzione di quella che viene definita la “Via italiana del Dialogo”, fondata sul rispetto reciproco, sulla collaborazione e sulla responsabilità condivisa delle comunità religiose nella costruzione della pace.

Nella lettera Mons. Olivero afferma:

"Credo fermamente che un serio dialogo fra le Religioni che sono in Italia sia un contributo importante per la coesione sociale e la pace."

Il Presidente della European Muslims League, Alfredo Maiolese, ha dichiarato:

"La pace non appartiene a una sola religione, a un popolo o a un'istituzione. È una responsabilità comune. Le parole di Mons. Derio Olivero dimostrano che il dialogo autentico tra le religioni non indebolisce le rispettive identità, ma rafforza la capacità di costruire insieme una società fondata sulla giustizia, sul rispetto e sulla dignità umana."

La European Muslims League esprime il proprio apprezzamento per l'impegno di Mons. Olivero e rinnova la volontà di proseguire il proprio lavoro internazionale per favorire il dialogo tra le religioni, le istituzioni e i popoli.

European Muslims League (EML) – Segretariato

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BISHOP OF PINEROLO THANKS THE EUROPEAN MUSLIMS LEAGUE FOR THE 2026 PEACE BUILDERS AWARD

Interreligious dialogue, justice and human dignity at the heart of Bishop Derio Olivero's message

The European Muslims League (EML) has received an official letter dated 7 October 2026 from H.E. Monsignor Derio Olivero, Bishop of Pinerolo, expressing his gratitude for the 2026 “Peace Builders” Award, in the category of Interreligious Dialogue, Justice and Human Dignity.

Addressed to EML President Alfredo Maiolese, the letter represents a meaningful acknowledgement of the organisation's commitment to promoting peace, cooperation among religions and human dignity.

Bishop Olivero also expressed his appreciation for the international initiative “Kick War Away – Un Calcio alla Guerra”, promoted by the European Muslims League.

In his message, the Bishop recalls having served for five years as President of the Italian Episcopal Conference's Commission for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue, emphasising the importance of dialogue among the various religious communities in Italy.

Particular attention is given to the historic Pact among religious leaders in Italy, signed at the Ara Pacis in Rome and presented to the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.

This agreement represents an important step towards what has been described as the “Italian Way of Dialogue”, based on mutual respect, cooperation and the shared responsibility of religious communities in building peace.

In his letter, Bishop Olivero states:

"I firmly believe that serious dialogue among the religions present in Italy makes an important contribution to social cohesion and peace."

Alfredo Maiolese, President of the European Muslims League, stated:

"Peace does not belong to any single religion, people or institution. It is a shared responsibility. The words of Bishop Derio Olivero demonstrate that genuine dialogue among religions does not weaken their respective identities, but strengthens their ability to build together a society founded on justice, respect and human dignity."

The European Muslims League expresses its appreciation for Bishop Olivero's commitment and reaffirms its determination to continue its international efforts to promote dialogue among religions, institutions and peoples.

European Muslims League (EML) – Secretariat

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TRE FEDI, UN’UNICA UMANITÀ: AD ALBENGA IL DIALOGO INTERRELIGIOSO CON LA EUROPEAN MUSLIMS LEAGUE

Amb Alfredo Maiolese con il Sindaco di Albenga dr. Riccardo Tomatis.

Albenga, 18 ottobre 2026

Un importante momento di dialogo interreligioso si è svolto presso l'Auditorium San Carlo di Albenga, in occasione dell'incontro “Tre Fedi, un’Unica Umanità – Dialogo, Rispetto, Pace”, organizzato dal Circolo Culturale Gufo Ensi di Valerio Favi.

L'iniziativa ha riunito tre rappresentanti delle grandi religioni monoteiste: Rav Giuseppe Momigliano, Rabbino Capo della Comunità Ebraica di Genova, Don Giuseppe Noberasco, docente di Teologia, e l'Ambasciatore Alfredo Maiolese, Presidente della European Muslims League (EML), in rappresentanza dell'Islam.

A moderare l'incontro è stato il filosofo Professor Diego Fusaro, che ha introdotto il dibattito con una riflessione particolarmente significativa e attuale.

Diego Fusaro: non una guerra tra religioni, ma una guerra contro le religioni

Uno degli aspetti più interessanti dell'incontro è emerso proprio dall'introduzione del professor Diego Fusaro, che ha invitato a superare la tradizionale interpretazione dei conflitti come scontri tra fedi religiose.

Secondo la riflessione proposta dal filosofo, oggi non ci troveremmo semplicemente di fronte a una guerra tra religioni, ma a una più profonda guerra contro le religioni stesse.

In un'epoca caratterizzata dal nichilismo, da nuove forme di oscurantismo e dal predominio della dimensione tecnologica, il rischio è quello di costruire una società che progressivamente priva l'essere umano della sua dimensione spirituale, della fede e della ricerca di un significato superiore dell'esistenza.

Una riflessione che ha conferito all'incontro un significato ancora più profondo: le tre religioni, pur mantenendo le proprie differenze teologiche, possono riconoscere una responsabilità comune nella difesa della dimensione spirituale dell'essere umano.

Il messaggio dell'Islam: conoscersi, non combattersi

Nel suo intervento, l'Ambasciatore Alfredo Maiolese ha richiamato l'attenzione sul valore della diversità religiosa e culturale, ricordando un importante versetto del Sacro Corano:

“O uomini, in verità Noi vi abbiamo creati da un maschio e una femmina e abbiamo fatto di voi popoli e tribù affinché vi conosceste a vicenda.”

(Sacro Corano, 49:13)

Il messaggio coranico sottolinea come la diversità tra i popoli non debba rappresentare una ragione di divisione, ma un'opportunità di conoscenza reciproca.

La European Muslims League sostiene da sempre che il dialogo interreligioso non debba cancellare le identità religiose, bensì valorizzarle nel rispetto reciproco.

La pace non richiede che tutti credano nelle stesse verità teologiche, ma che ciascuno riconosca nell'altro un essere umano portatore di dignità, libertà e diritti.

Tre fedi, una responsabilità comune

L'incontro di Albenga ha rappresentato un'importante testimonianza della possibilità di costruire relazioni fondate sul rispetto tra ebrei, cristiani e musulmani.

In un periodo storico segnato da guerre, tensioni internazionali e crescenti divisioni, il dialogo tra le religioni assume un valore che supera la semplice dimensione culturale.

Diventa un contributo concreto alla costruzione della pace e alla difesa della dignità umana.

La European Muslims League esprime il proprio apprezzamento al Circolo Culturale Gufo Ensi, agli organizzatori, ai relatori e al professor Diego Fusaro per aver contribuito a un confronto di elevato valore umano e spirituale.

Tre fedi, un'unica umanità: perché le differenze religiose non devono dividere gli uomini, ma insegnare loro a conoscersi, rispettarsi e vivere insieme nella pace.

European Muslims League (EML)

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THREE FAITHS, ONE HUMANITY: INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE IN ALBENGA WITH THE EUROPEAN MUSLIMS LEAGUE

Albenga, Italy – 18 October 2026

An important interreligious dialogue meeting took place at the Auditorium San Carlo in Albenga, Italy, under the title “Three Faiths, One Humanity – Dialogue, Respect, Peace”, organised by the Circolo Culturale Gufo Ensi of Valerio Favi.

The event brought together three representatives of the major monotheistic religions: Rabbi Giuseppe Momigliano, Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Community of Genoa; Father Giuseppe Noberasco, lecturer in Theology; and Ambassador Alfredo Maiolese, President of the European Muslims League (EML), representing Islam.

The discussion was moderated by philosopher Professor Diego Fusaro, who opened the meeting with a particularly thought-provoking reflection.

Diego Fusaro: not a war between religions, but a war against religions

One of the most significant aspects of the conference emerged from Professor Diego Fusaro's introduction, in which he challenged the conventional interpretation of contemporary conflicts as clashes between religious faiths.

According to the philosophical perspective he presented, humanity is not simply witnessing a war between religions, but rather a deeper war against religions themselves.

In an era increasingly characterised by nihilism, new forms of obscurantism and technological dominance, there is a risk of creating a society that progressively deprives human beings of their spiritual dimension, their faith and their search for a higher meaning in existence.

This reflection gave the meeting an even deeper significance: the three religions, while preserving their theological differences, can recognise a shared responsibility to defend the spiritual dimension of human existence.

The message of Islam: knowing one another, not fighting one another

During his contribution, Ambassador Alfredo Maiolese emphasised the importance of religious and cultural diversity, recalling a significant verse from the Holy Quran:

“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.”

(Holy Quran, 49:13)

This Quranic teaching reminds humanity that diversity among peoples should not become a source of division, but an opportunity for mutual understanding.

The European Muslims League has consistently maintained that interreligious dialogue should not erase religious identities, but rather strengthen mutual respect while preserving them.

Peace does not require everyone to share the same theological beliefs. It requires each individual to recognise the dignity, freedom and rights of others.

Three faiths, one shared responsibility

The meeting in Albenga represented an important example of how Jews, Christians and Muslims can establish relationships based on respect and constructive dialogue.

At a time marked by wars, international tensions and growing divisions, interreligious dialogue carries a significance that extends far beyond cultural exchange.

It becomes a meaningful contribution to building peace and protecting human dignity.

The European Muslims League expresses its sincere appreciation to the Circolo Culturale Gufo Ensi, the organisers, the speakers and Professor Diego Fusaro for contributing to an encounter of profound human and spiritual value.

Three faiths, one humanity: religious differences should not divide human beings, but inspire them to know one another, respect one another and live together in peace.

European Muslims League (EML)

2009 – La Repubblica: Alfredo Maiolese, “Nascita di Maometto, festa al Lagaccio”

2009 – LA REPUBBLICA, GENOA, ITALY

“NASCITA DI MAOMETTO, FESTA AL LAGACCIO”

Historical article published by La Repubblica concerning the celebration in Genoa of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

The newspaper reports the statements of Alfredo Maiolese, representative of the Muslim community, who describes the initiative as an “occasion for dialogue” and an opportunity to bring together residents of the Lagaccio neighbourhood, including those with different views on the proposed mosque.

Maiolese stresses that the celebration should not create hostility or provoke division, but should instead encourage people to meet, understand one another and respect their differences.

Source: La Repubblica – Genoa edition, 2009.

ARCHIVE NOTE

Digitised from the original printed newspaper preserved in the historical archive.

2009 – Il Secolo XIX: Alfredo Maiolese, “Licenza edilizia entro il 2009”

24 JANUARY 2009 – IL SECOLO XIX, GENOA, ITALY

“MAIOLESE: LICENZA EDILIZIA ENTRO IL 2009”

Historical article by journalist Bruno Viani concerning the planned mosque in Morego, Genoa.

Il Secolo XIX reports the statements of Alfredo Maiolese, representative of part of Genoa’s Muslim community, concerning the project and the expectation of obtaining the building permit during 2009.

Maiolese describes the proposed mosque as a place of prayer as well as a centre for cultural and religious education, dialogue, meeting and services for the neighbourhood, stressing the intention to share the process with institutions, the municipality and local citizens.

Source: Il Secolo XIX, Genoa edition, 24 January 2009.

ARCHIVE NOTE

Digitised from the original printed newspaper preserved in the historical archive.

2008 – Il Secolo XIX: Alfredo Maiolese and the Mawlid Celebration in Genoa

2008 – IL SECOLO XIX, GENOA, ITALY

“ANCHE LA DIGOS ‘INVITATA’ ALLA FESTA PER MAOMETTO”

Historical report published by Il Secolo XIX concerning the celebration of Mawlid al-Nabi, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, by Genoa’s Muslim community.

The article directly cites Alfredo Maiolese, representative of the Muslim community, who explains that the initiative was intended as an opportunity for dialogue with the neighbourhood and not as a provocation.

The report documents an early stage of Maiolese’s public activity in Genoa promoting dialogue, religious coexistence and relations between the Muslim community and local society.

Source: Il Secolo XIX, Genoa edition, 2008.

ARCHIVE NOTE

Digitised from the original printed newspaper preserved in the historical archive.

2008 – La Repubblica: Alfredo Maiolese among the figures in Genoa’s debate on interreligious dialogue

24 DECEMBER 2008 – LA REPUBBLICA, GENOA, ITALY

“SI ACCENDE LO SCONTRO TRA I POLI – ‘FINALMENTE LA CHIESA SI APRE’”

Historical report published by La Repubblica during the public debate in Genoa concerning the Muslim community, the proposed mosque and relations between religious communities.

In its “I personaggi” section, the newspaper includes Alfredo Maiolese among the figures connected to the debate.

The article documents an important period in Genoa’s public discussion on Islam, religious coexistence and interreligious dialogue.

Source: La Repubblica – Genoa edition, 24 December 2008.

ARCHIVE NOTE

Digitised from the original printed newspaper preserved in the historical archive.

2008 – Il Secolo XIX: Alfredo Maiolese, “Paure false”

30 JULY 2008 – IL SECOLO XIX, GENOA, ITALY

“MAIOLESE: ‘PAURE FALSE’”

Historical article published by Il Secolo XIX featuring an open letter by Alfredo Maiolese during the public debate on the Muslim community and the proposed mosque in Genoa.

Maiolese, described by the newspaper as a Genoese convert to Islam and ambassador to the Arab League, addresses relations between Muslims and Christians, the protection of minorities, freedom of religion and peaceful coexistence, calling for dialogue and rejecting the idea of a clash between religions and cultures.

The article documents an early stage of Maiolese’s public activity in Genoa on interreligious dialogue and the integration of the Muslim community.

Source: Il Secolo XIX, 30 July 2008, p. 21.

ARCHIVE NOTE

Digitised from the original printed newspaper preserved in the historical archive.

EML Vice-President Arben Ramkaj Welcomes High-Level Italian Delegation in Elbasan

ENGLISH

Elbasan, Albania – Dr. Arben Ramkaj, Vice-President of the European Muslims League (EML), welcomed a distinguished delegation from Italy at the Interreligious Cooperation Center in Elbasan for a meeting dedicated to interreligious dialogue and cooperation among Europe’s religious communities.

The delegation included Luca Anziani, President of the Opera for Methodist Evangelical Churches in Italy (OPCEMI), Claudio Paravati, Director of the Confronti Study Center and magazine in Rome, Pastor Maliq Meda, and researcher Rando Devole.

During the meeting, Dr. Ramkaj highlighted Albania’s distinctive experience of coexistence among different religious communities, stressing how this heritage can contribute to developing stronger European cooperation in interreligious dialogue, social cohesion and peacebuilding.

The discussions also explored opportunities for closer cooperation between Albanian and Italian institutions, religious communities and civil society, encouraging the development of joint initiatives, meetings and exchanges of experience.

The visit continued at the historic King Mosque of Elbasan, where the delegation was welcomed by the Mufti of Elbasan, H. Agim Duka, and introduced to the city’s centuries-old religious and cultural heritage.

The President of the European Muslims League, Alfredo Maiolese, stated:

«“At a time when tensions, conflicts and divisions are increasing, we need to multiply the places where people of different religions and cultures can meet and work together. Albania’s experience demonstrates that religious coexistence is not a utopia, but a possible reality. The meeting promoted by our Vice-President Arben Ramkaj represents precisely the mission of the European Muslims League: building bridges between people, communities and countries. Albania and Italy can work together to strengthen a European network of dialogue, because peace is built first and foremost by knowing and respecting one another.”»

For the European Muslims League, building bridges between religious communities and connecting experiences from different European countries represents an essential part of its mission.

Interreligious dialogue must not be limited to declarations of principle; it must be transformed into meetings, relationships and concrete cooperation.

The experience of Elbasan demonstrates how Albania and Italy can work together to build a European network capable of promoting mutual respect, coexistence, social cohesion and peace.

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ITALIANO

Il Vicepresidente EML Arben Ramkaj accoglie una delegazione italiana di alto livello a Elbasan

Elbasan, Albania – Il Dr. Arben Ramkaj, Vicepresidente della European Muslims League (EML), ha accolto presso il Centro per la Cooperazione Interreligiosa di Elbasan una qualificata delegazione proveniente dall’Italia, nell’ambito di un incontro dedicato al dialogo interreligioso e alla cooperazione tra le comunità religiose europee.

La delegazione comprendeva Luca Anziani, Presidente dell’Opera per le Chiese Evangeliche Metodiste in Italia (OPCEMI), Claudio Paravati, Direttore del Centro Studi e della rivista Confronti di Roma, il Pastore Maliq Meda e il ricercatore Rando Devole.

Nel corso dell’incontro, il Dr. Ramkaj ha evidenziato la particolare esperienza dell’Albania nella convivenza tra differenti comunità religiose, sottolineando come questo patrimonio possa contribuire allo sviluppo di una più ampia cooperazione europea nel campo del dialogo interreligioso, della coesione sociale e della costruzione della pace.

Il confronto ha inoltre permesso di approfondire possibili forme di collaborazione tra realtà albanesi e italiane, comunità religiose e società civile, favorendo lo sviluppo di iniziative comuni, incontri e scambi di esperienze.

La visita è proseguita presso la storica Moschea del Re di Elbasan, dove la delegazione è stata accolta dal Mufti di Elbasan, H. Agim Duka, e ha avuto modo di conoscere più da vicino il patrimonio religioso e culturale della città.

Il Presidente della European Muslims League, Alfredo Maiolese, ha dichiarato:

««In un momento storico nel quale aumentano tensioni, conflitti e divisioni, abbiamo bisogno di moltiplicare i luoghi nei quali persone di religioni e culture differenti possano incontrarsi e lavorare insieme. L’esperienza albanese dimostra che la convivenza religiosa non è un’utopia, ma una realtà possibile. L’incontro promosso dal nostro Vicepresidente Arben Ramkaj rappresenta esattamente la missione della European Muslims League: costruire ponti tra persone, comunità e Paesi. Albania e Italia possono contribuire insieme a rafforzare una rete europea del dialogo, perché la pace si costruisce prima di tutto conoscendosi e rispettandosi.»»

Per la European Muslims League, creare ponti tra le comunità religiose e mettere in relazione esperienze provenienti da diversi Paesi europei rappresenta una parte essenziale del proprio impegno.

Il dialogo interreligioso non deve limitarsi alle dichiarazioni di principio, ma deve trasformarsi in incontri, relazioni e cooperazione concreta.

L’esperienza di Elbasan dimostra come Albania e Italia possano contribuire insieme alla costruzione di una rete europea capace di promuovere rispetto reciproco, convivenza, coesione sociale e pace.

European Muslims League (EML)

Building bridges between communities for a more peaceful and cohesive Europe.

EML Concludes a Headquarters Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

ARABIC | العربية

# الرابطة الأوروبية للمسلمين توقع اتفاقية مقر مع الجمهورية الإسلامية الموريتانية

وقّعت الرابطة الأوروبية للمسلمين (EML) اتفاقية مقر مع حكومة الجمهورية الإسلامية الموريتانية، ممثلة بوزارة الشؤون الخارجية والتعاون الإفريقي والموريتانيين في الخارج.

وقد تم توقيع الاتفاقية عن الجانب الموريتاني من قبل معالي السيد محمد سالم ولد مرزوق، وزير الشؤون الخارجية والتعاون الإفريقي والموريتانيين في الخارج، وعن الرابطة الأوروبية للمسلمين من قبل الدكتور محمد ولد باه، رئيس تمثيل الرابطة في موريتانيا.

وتحدد اتفاقية المقر الإطار المؤسسي لوجود الرابطة وأنشطتها في موريتانيا، وتعزز التعاون في مجالات الحوار بين الثقافات والأديان، والتربية من أجل السلام، والوقاية من التطرف، والتفاهم المتبادل، ودعم المجتمعات المسلمة.

وتعبر هذه الخطوة عن التزام مشترك بالحوار والاحترام المتبادل والتعاون العملي من أجل السلام.

الرابطة الأوروبية للمسلمين – EML

FRANÇAIS

# La European Muslims League conclut un Accord de siège avec la République Islamique de Mauritanie

La European Muslims League (EML) a conclu un Accord de siège avec le Gouvernement de la République Islamique de Mauritanie, représenté par le Ministère des Affaires étrangères, de la Coopération africaine et des Mauritaniens de l’extérieur.

L’Accord a été signé pour la partie mauritanienne par S.E. M. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Ministre des Affaires étrangères, de la Coopération africaine et des Mauritaniens de l’extérieur, et pour la European Muslims League par le Dr Mohamed Ould Bahah, Président de la Représentation EML en Mauritanie.

L’Accord de siège établit le cadre institutionnel de la présence et des activités de l’EML en Mauritanie. Il renforce la coopération dans les domaines du dialogue interculturel et interreligieux, de l’éducation à la paix, de la prévention de la radicalisation, de la compréhension mutuelle et du soutien aux communautés musulmanes.

Cette étape reflète un engagement commun en faveur du dialogue, du respect mutuel et d’une coopération concrète pour la paix.

European Muslims League – EML

ENGLISH

# European Muslims League Concludes a Headquarters Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

The European Muslims League (EML) has concluded a Headquarters Agreement with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad.

The Agreement was signed on behalf of Mauritania by H.E. Mr Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad, and on behalf of the European Muslims League by Dr Mohamed Ould Bahah, President of the EML Representation in Mauritania.

The Headquarters Agreement establishes the institutional framework for EML’s presence and activities in Mauritania. It strengthens cooperation in the fields of intercultural and interreligious dialogue, peace education, prevention of radicalisation, mutual understanding and support for Muslim communities.

This step reflects a shared commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and practical cooperation for peace.

European Muslims League – EML

ITALIANO

# La European Muslims League conclude un Accordo di Sede con la Repubblica Islamica di Mauritania

La European Muslims League (EML) ha concluso un Accordo di Sede con il Governo della Repubblica Islamica di Mauritania, rappresentato dal Ministero degli Affari Esteri, della Cooperazione Africana e dei Mauritani all’Estero.

L’Accordo è stato firmato per la Mauritania da S.E. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Ministro degli Affari Esteri, della Cooperazione Africana e dei Mauritani all’Estero, e per la European Muslims League dal Dott. Mohamed Ould Bahah, Presidente della Rappresentanza EML in Mauritania.

L’Accordo di Sede stabilisce il quadro istituzionale per la presenza e le attività di EML in Mauritania. Esso rafforza la cooperazione nei campi del dialogo interculturale e interreligioso, dell’educazione alla pace, della prevenzione della radicalizzazione, della comprensione reciproca e del sostegno alle comunità musulmane.

Questo passo riflette un impegno comune per il dialogo, il rispetto reciproco e una cooperazione concreta al servizio della pace.

European Muslims League – EML

A Bridge of Peace in Kuala Lumpur: WOS-IPSP and the Maha Vihara Buddhist Temple Strengthen Cooperation on Interreligious Dialogue and Human Rights

KUALA LUMPUR, June 28, 2026 – At a time when international tensions and humanitarian crises continue to challenge global stability, the promotion of interreligious dialogue remains an essential instrument for building peace and protecting human dignity.

On June 28, 2026, at the historic Maha Vihara Buddhist Temple in Kuala Lumpur, a bilateral meeting took place between Mr. A. Hemadasa, Vice President of the Temple, and Father Marco Baragli, Counselor for International Cooperation and Interreligious Dialogue of the World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP).

The meeting, which lasted more than two hours, was held in an atmosphere of mutual respect and constructive dialogue, focusing on the shared commitment to peace, human rights, and cooperation among religious communities.

A central theme of the discussions was the rejection of violence and armed conflict in all its forms. The representatives reaffirmed that lasting peace cannot be achieved solely through political or military means but requires the active participation of religious communities in promoting reconciliation, mutual understanding, and respect for the dignity of every human being.

Representatives of the Maha Vihara Temple emphasized that the Buddhist principles of Ahiṃsā (non-violence), Karunā (compassion), and Mettā (loving-kindness) constitute fundamental ethical values capable of inspiring cooperation among peoples and preventing hatred, discrimination, and conflict.

The dialogue also examined Malaysia's unique religious and cultural diversity. While the country has a Muslim majority, it is also home to long-established Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Taoist, and Sikh communities. During the discussions, attention was drawn to the importance of ensuring that all religious communities receive equal recognition and protection within society, preserving their individual identities while strengthening national unity.

Particular appreciation was expressed for the work carried out by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST), established to promote cooperation among Malaysia's major non-Muslim religious communities and to safeguard religious freedom and constitutional rights. The Council is currently chaired by Most Reverend Monsignor Julian Leow Beng Kim, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, whose commitment to interreligious dialogue has received broad international recognition.

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to the serious challenge posed by human trafficking, recognized as one of the most urgent humanitarian issues affecting Southeast Asia. The participants discussed concerns related to forced labour, exploitation of migrant workers, trafficking of women and children, and the growing phenomenon of transnational cyber-scam operations targeting vulnerable individuals.

The discussion emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation, supporting victims, combating corruption, and encouraging coordinated action among governments, civil society, and religious institutions in accordance with international human rights standards.

Looking toward future cooperation, Mr. Hemadasa expressed his intention to further strengthen relations with the World Organization of States by supporting initiatives dedicated to peacebuilding, interreligious dialogue, and the promotion of fundamental human rights. During the meeting, the possibility of organizing a future institutional event involving national authorities and representatives of the country's principal religious communities was also discussed. In this context, Father Marco Baragli would be invited to participate as a representative of WOS-IPSP.

The Temple leadership also expressed its interest in establishing a structured collaboration with WOS-IPSP to expand initiatives promoting dialogue among religions and international cooperation in the field of human rights.

The meeting concluded with the shared conviction that lasting peace can only be achieved through cooperation among institutions, religious communities, and civil society, founded upon mutual respect, solidarity, and the universal dignity of every person.

Statement by the Secretary-General

Following the meeting, H.E. Amb. Alfredo Maiolese, Secretary-General of the World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP), stated:

"Interreligious dialogue is not simply an exchange between faiths; it is a concrete instrument of preventive diplomacy capable of reducing tensions, protecting fundamental freedoms, and fostering peaceful coexistence among peoples. WOS-IPSP welcomes the constructive dialogue held in Kuala Lumpur and appreciates the willingness expressed by the Maha Vihara Buddhist Temple to work together in promoting peace, human rights, and international cooperation. Building bridges among cultures and religions is one of the strongest foundations for preventing future conflicts and strengthening global stability."

The World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP), intergovernmental organization, reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote dialogue, mediation, respect for religious freedom, and the peaceful resolution of disputes through cooperation among institutions, governments, and faith communities worldwide.