In a world increasingly defined by its diversity, the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue across religious and cultural boundaries is not just a virtue it is a necessity. The Centre for Inter-religious and Intercultural Dialogue (CIID) was founded with a singular purpose: to create a space where understanding flourishes, where differences are not feared but embraced, and where the sacred wisdom of humanity’s many traditions can illuminate a shared path forward. Our mission is grounded in the belief that every faith and culture carries within it a profound call to peace, compassion, and justice. These are not abstract ideals they are lived truths, echoed across centuries and continents. As we embark on this journey together, we draw strength and inspiration from the sacred texts that have guided billions.
From the Holy Qur’an, we are reminded of the divine intention behind our diversity: "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another." (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13) This verse calls us to recognize that our differences are not barriers, but bridges opportunities to learn, to connect, and to grow in empathy and wisdom. The Bible, in its timeless call to peace, teaches: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9) Peacemaking is not passive; it is a courageous act of love, a commitment to healing wounds and building communities rooted in dignity and mutual respect. The Bhagavad Gita, a cornerstone of Hindu philosophy, offers a vision of spiritual unity: "He who sees all beings in the Self, and the Self in all beings, never turns away from it." (Bhagavad Gita 6:29) This insight reminds us that beneath our external identities lies a shared essence—a divine spark that connects all living beings in a web of sacred interdependence. And from the Dhammapada, the teachings of the Buddha guide us with clarity and compassion: "Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal law." (Dhammapada, Verse 5).
In a world often torn by conflict and fear, love remains our most powerful response a force that dissolves division and awakens our deepest humanity. At CIID, we strive to embody these teachings not only in theory but in practice. We host interfaith dialogues, support collaborative research, and engage communities in conversations that matter. We believe that dialogue is not just about speaking it is about listening, about being present to the stories, struggles, and aspirations of others. It is about creating a culture where curiosity replaces judgment, and where respect becomes the foundation of every interaction. Our vision is bold yet simple: a world where interfaith and intercultural understanding are woven into the fabric of everyday life. A world where children grow up learning not just tolerance, but reverence for the beliefs and customs of others. A world where policy is shaped by empathy, and leadership is guided by wisdom. A world where no one is excluded because of their faith, ethnicity, or heritage but instead celebrated for the richness they bring to our shared human story.
We recognize that this work is not easy. Dialogue requires humility, patience, and courage. It demands that we confront our biases, challenge our assumptions, and open ourselves to transformation. But we also know that it is worth it. Because in dialogue, we do not merely exchange ideas we build relationships. We create communities of trust. We lay the groundwork for peace. As Director of CIID, I invite you to join us in this sacred endeavor. Whether you are a scholar, a student, a faith leader, or a seeker, your voice matters. Your story matters. Together, we can create a space where the wisdom of the past meets the promise of the future. Let us walk this path togethernot in uniformity, but in unity. Let us listen deeply, speak truthfully, and act courageously. For in dialogue, we do not just build understanding we build peace. And in peace, we find the true meaning of our shared existence. May the light of wisdom guide us, the strength of compassion sustain us, and the spirit of unity inspire us always.
