President And Grand Syekh Discuss Global Initiative For Peace

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) together with Grand Syekh Al AzharAhmed Al Tayyyeb, held a meeting at the Merdeka Palace, one of which discussed launching global initiatives to increase the role of religious leaders and symbols in development and peace.

"This meeting discussed efforts to increase cooperation in the field of spread and promotion of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence," said Grand Syekh as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, July 9.

During the meeting, Gand Syekh Al-Azhar appreciated Indonesia's great efforts under President Jokowi's leadership in spreading and advancing the values of peace and tolerance.

Grand Syekh Al Azharitu also praised the inspirational examples represented by Indonesia in diversity, pluralism, development, and coexistence.

He explained that Indonesia represents an Islamic model that is able to combine development and prosperity while maintaining religion and its values.

"The Muslim Hukama Council wants to involve religious leaders in spreading and mainstreaming humanitarian values in order to contribute positively in finding effective solutions to global problems and challenges," said Grand Syekh Al Azhar.

The mainstreaming of these human values has been carried out by Al Azhar through the Declaration of Global Citizenship in Cairo and Historical Documents on the Human Brotherhood in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

Grand Syekh Al Azhar is also working on launching Documents "Continent Calls: Joint Statement of Religious Leaders and Climate Activists of Abu Dhabi" as well as the launch of Interfaith Pavilion at COP28 for the first time in history.

Meanwhile, President Jokowi assessed that this initiative was important for Indonesia, the Southeast Asia region, and the world. The President emphasized Indonesia's readiness to host and provide all support for its success.

The President also conveyed the importance of involving religion in an effort to achieve the goals of development, sustainability, and peace. Because leaders and religious symbols have a major influence on people around the world.