Muslim Council of Elders Advances Global Interfaith Dialogue at G20 Forum

The Council participates in Salt Lake City gathering to promote coexistence, human fraternity and peace among world religious leaders and policymakers

The Muslim Council of Elders has taken a prominent role at the G20 Interfaith Forum 2026, convened in Salt Lake City, Utah, from October 15 to 17 under the inspiring theme of Resilient Hope, Shared Future. The distinguished gathering brings together an exceptional assembly of religious leaders, government representatives, civil society actors and policymakers from across the globe, united in their commitment to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges through dialogue and cooperation.

His Eminence Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, member of the Muslim Council of Elders and Spiritual Leader of Muslims in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, delivered a compelling address during the opening session. He emphasised that the escalating conflicts and threats facing humanity have rendered dialogue among religions and civilisations not merely desirable but urgently necessary. Sheikh ul-Islam Pashazade underscored the imperative of solidarity and collective action among religious leaders and international institutions in building a more secure, stable and peaceful world.

Mohamed Bahr, Head of Strategic Planning at the Muslim Council of Elders, highlighted the Council’s substantial contributions during a panel titled Religious Organisations and Furtherance of the Common Good: African, Middle Eastern, and Eurasian Perspectives, held at the Utah State Capitol. He traced the Council’s evolution from the landmark Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019, through to its contemporary initiatives addressing climate action and the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence. Mr Bahr articulated the Council’s vision of translating shared principles into sustainable partnerships and practical initiatives, emphasising the necessity of strengthening cooperation between governments, religious institutions and civil society to empower communities and youth whilst reinforcing values of coexistence.

The Council’s engagement extended to participation in a meeting of the Global Multifaith Advisory Council, which deliberated on priorities for the G20 Summits of 2026 and 2027. Discussions centred on enhancing interfaith dialogue and amplifying the voice of faith leaders in promoting peace, coexistence and human rights, whilst contributing to the ethical guidance of international policymaking. Participants recognised the significance of unified efforts among religious leaders and their strengthened presence in global forums.

The forum coincides with the United States’ presidency of the G20 and precedes the G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled for Miami in December. The gathering addresses an expansive range of global concerns encompassing economic growth, energy security, artificial intelligence, the Sustainable Development Goals, combating human trafficking, mental health, education, freedom of religion or belief, and the transformative role of religious institutions in meeting humanitarian challenges.

Source: WAM