The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam said that inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue are especially important considering recent global challenges proposing that anniversary of signing Document of Human Fraternity by Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayyeb and Pope Francis to be named as the International Day of Human Fraternity.

"The Document on Human Fraternity is the pinnacle of interfaith dialogue and is one of the most important steps taken towards conceiving contemporary global peace," Mohamed Abdelsalam said while addressing the opening session of the 7th Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue hosted by the Czech Republic.

Abdelsalam added: "The historic Document on Human Fraternity which was co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church was the preeminent event for interfaith relations in modern history."

"There is a shared vision towards directing future generations down the path of coexistence and human fraternity. This can be seen with the adoption of the Document on Human Fraternity in various school and tertiary curricula, with a total of 1.5 million students around the world benefiting from the noble values of the Document.

"Likewise, the anniversary of the Document's signing on the 4th of February has been recognized by the United Nations as the International Day of Human Fraternity", said Mohamed Abdelsalam.

 He added, "The Muslim Council is exerting great efforts to consolidate peace and coexistence through its many meetings with world leaders” vowing that the Council will continue to spearhead efforts to spread human fraternity through its many initiatives to stop all forms of conflict and bloodshed.