November 24, 2024
A landmark forum held in Dubai from November 15–16 marked a transformative step toward empowering female leaders in fostering peace and interfaith dialogue. Organized on the eve of the International Day of Tolerance, the event highlighted the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to advancing peaceful coexistence through initiatives like the National Tolerance Day and the Abraham Accords.
Women leaders championing the Abraham Accords
The two-day multifaith event, orchestrated by the Abraham Women’s Alliance and Empower Women Media, brought together 65 prominent women leaders from across the globe. These women are dedicated to continuing the legacy of the Abraham Accords and raising awareness about the benefits of collaboration across Abrahamic religions and beyond.
The forum emphasized the crucial role of female voices in peacebuilding and mutual understanding. Attended by Jewish, Muslim, and Christian women leaders, it was the first civil society-led interfaith gathering of its kind in Dubai. Discussions and panels explored the importance of fostering coexistence, particularly in workplaces, and elevating the contributions of women to global peace efforts.
Prominent human rights organizations, including Global Christian Relief, Women’s Choice, and the Combat Antisemitism Movement, supported the event. Canadian Ambassador Marcy Grossman, a keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of female leadership in driving peace in the Middle East. Notably, the forum was the first international initiative for peacebuilding following the October 7 attacks, and it uniquely united female leaders from both the United States and the Middle East.
EU perspective brought by Manel Msalmi
Manel Msalmi, a human rights defender and “Peace Ambassador” from Brussels, the capital of the European Union, was the sole EU representative invited to speak at the forum. She shared her expertise on promoting religious freedom and its significance for global peace and security. Drawing on her advocacy for minority and women’s rights in Europe and beyond, Msalmi highlighted the rise of antisemitism in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks. She called for collective efforts to combat discrimination, promote workplace inclusivity, and educate future generations on the principles of tolerance, brotherhood, and freedom of religion and expression.
Manel Msalmi’s EU perspective added depth to the dialogue, showcasing how intercontinental collaboration can foster meaningful change and counter rising tensions in both Europe and the Middle East.
Honoring female leadership and workplace inclusivity
The Dubai Forum celebrated female leadership through various initiatives. Participants explored the Abrahamic Family House, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, reinforcing the importance of cultural and religious understanding in peacebuilding.
In a historic move, attendees received certificates in interfaith workplace training, underscoring the forum’s commitment to actionable change. The Abraham Women’s Alliance, led by Shirin Taber and Astrid Hajjar, organized this groundbreaking event to address the escalating threats of hate speech and religious violence. The initiative brought together students, government officials, and non-governmental organizations, marking a collective response to the challenges arising in the post-October 7 climate.
A beacon of hope for peace and dialogue
This forum stands as a pivotal moment in advancing female leadership and interfaith collaboration. By focusing on the contributions of women and addressing the challenges of religious intolerance, it lays the foundation for future peacebuilding efforts. Dubai, as a hub for such transformative initiatives, continues to inspire global unity and cooperation.
