The activities of the World Peace Forum, in Indonesia, entitled "Human Fraternity and The Middle Path as the Foundation for A Peaceful, Just, and Prosperous World", concluded. The Forum was held at the Center for Dialogue among Civilizations (CDCC), in Surakarta, in cooperation between the Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) and Cheng Ho Multicultural Education Trust. It witnessed the presence of Prof. Nahla As-Saidi, Advisor to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar for International Students Affairs, and Dr. Abbas Shoman, former Deputy of the Grand Imam Al-Azhar, as representatives of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif.
The conference was attended by a large number of religious leaders and senior thinkers from around the world, who applauded the historical role played by Al-Azhar in promoting true religion and redressing the image of Islam, drawing on its enlightened moderate approach, which has enabled it to confront extremism and religious intolerance throughout its history. Hence, it has become a destination for promoting peace and human brotherhood in all parts of the world.
The participants expressed their great appreciation for the efforts of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif and the Grand Imam, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, in embracing the causes of the Arab and Muslim nation, resuming East-West dialogue and drawing a true picture of Islam through world visits and through firm stances on issues like from the establishment of peace and social security. This, they maintained, reflects the universality of Al-Azhar, its message, and its keenness on what brings people together and promotes human brotherhood.
Likewise, the speakers praised the developed Al-Azhar curricula for international students, which is designed to confront any ideas that conflict with the moderation and tolerance of Islam. They valued the efforts of the Education Development Center For Al-Azhar International Students (EDCAIS) and its keenness to elevate the minds of foreign students and educate them, through the implementation of activities that promote dialogue and entrench the values of coexistence and acceptance of diversity. For them, EDCAIS launches various initiatives that enrich the spirit of human brotherhood and acceptance of the other among international students, who represent a microcosmic Muslim world. Hence, they concluded, it reflects positively on promoting the leniency and moderation of Islam throughout the world.