Faith Leaders Conference Aimed at Accelerating Development, Peacebuilding Underway in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, May 13, 2025 (ENA) -- A conference whose purpose is for faithful communities in Africa to work in partnership with all stakeholders, including the AU, to accelerate development, peacebuilding and to build key relationship is underway in Addis Ababa.

In his opening speech, President Taye Atseke Selassie expressed the necessity for more empowerment of religious organizations to achieve lasting peace and progress in Africa.

 

“Interfaith dialogue is not merely a moral imperative. It is a practical force for progress. When religious leaders unite in advocating for the common good of mankind, they amplify our collective voice and mobilize grassroots action,” he said.

According to the president, faith-based organizations are already at the forefront of humanitarian aid, conflict resolution, and democratic dispensation; which in turn contributes to the key pillars of sustainable development as stipulated at the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and AU Agenda 2063.

Africa faces global geostrategic shifts, requiring renewed commitment to address emerging challenges, he noted, adding that the continental organization demands justice and reparations for Africans and people of African descent, making reparative justice a moral necessity for healing, dignity, and a just future.

The president expressed his gratitude to the religious leaders for their vital contributions to Ethiopia's national dialogue, through the mechanism which “we recognize the urgent need to embrace dialogue over discord, discourse over dissention and compassion over callosity.”

On his part, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf said the African Union aims to promote religious freedom and equality in its pursuit of peace and development.

 

Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia Secretary-General, Kesis Tagay Tadele stated the council's commitment to fostering cooperation among faiths for peace and development, while promoting love and harmony.

 

United Religions Initiative (URO) for Africa Regional Director, Ambassador Mussie Hailu, emphasized the role of religious organizations in achieving a prosperous Africa by 2063 and highlighted the need for respect, collaboration, and collective efforts to address global challenges.

 

The two-day conference aims to provide insights to G-20 member nations on addressing social and economic issues such as peace building, human rights, climate change, and environmental protection, it was learned.

 

The Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia, United Religions Initiative-Africa, and G20 Interfaith Forum, in partnership with African Union, organized the annual interfaith conference to promote interfaith harmony, peace, and development in Africa.