July 29, 2025
Contributor: Supriyono | Photo: Achmad Jatnika
Jakarta, Indonesia —The International Conference on Human Fraternity, jointly organized by Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) and the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF) officially kicked off in Jakarta on July 29, 2025. The two-day event marked the official launch of the Indonesian Institute for Human Fraternity, a joint initiative of UIII and HCHF aimed at institutionalizing the global commitment to advancing human fraternity as a guiding principle for addressing pressing global challenges.
Held under the theme “Advancing Human Fraternity Amidst Global Uncertainties: Toward a More Peaceful and Prosperous World Civilization,” the conference brought together scholars, policymakers, religious leaders, and civil society actors from around the world to explore the practical application of human fraternity in responding to complex international issues and societal divisions.
“This conference marks a pivotal step not only in institutionalizing the values of human fraternity, but also in laying the foundation of our agenda at Indonesian Institute for Human Fraternity,” said Prof. Jamhari Makruf, Rector of UIII. “Through the establishment of this institute, we aim to turn these shared values into sustainable programs and policies that advance global cooperation, equitable development, and lasting peace.”
The concept of human fraternity—which broadly refers to friendship and support among human beings—has never been more critical in today’s increasingly interconnected yet polarized world. This concept was enshrined in the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together signed in 2019 by Pope Francis and the Egypt’s Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb.
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Khalid AL-Ghaith, Secretary General of HCHF, affirmed the importance of collaboration in promoting shared humanity. “At the heart of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity is a simple but powerful belief: we are all part of one human family. Though our backgrounds may differ, we share equal value and dignity,” he said. He further underlined that this shared sense of humanity should inspire collective efforts to overcome divisions, foster mutual understanding, and promote values such as compassion, coexistence, and respect.
“Education is a key priority for us. We believe that values like fraternity and respect must be taught from the earliest school years through to higher education,” said Dr. Khalid AL-Ghaith. “UIII is an ideal place to lead this work. It is where young minds grow and new ideas flourish. Together, we must develop innovative educational models that help build a better world.”
The newly-established institute was officiated by the Prof. Pratikno, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs. It will serve as the vehicle for implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UIII and HCHF on September 3, 2024, aiming to advance interdisciplinary research, global dialogue, and evidence-based programs rooted in the values of human fraternity and peaceful coexistence.
Besides Minister Pratikno, the conference was attended by several notable figures, including H.E. Mr. Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the UAE to Indonesia and ASEAN, and Dr. (H.C.) Drs. Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, Chairman of the UIII Board of Trustees and former Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia. Overall, it gathered around 200 participants, including Indonesian state officials, representatives from foreign embassies, NGOs, journalists, academics, and students from various leading Indonesian universities.
Central to the conference are four panel discussions that explore how the principle of human fraternity can be effectively applied to address pressing global challenges. All sessions are held under the ‘Chatham House Rule’ to encourage open, honest, and forward-looking dialogue among participants.
The event’s four panel discussions featured renowned speakers, including: “Building Fraternity Across Borders” (Valeria Martano, Heidi Kühn, Emily Bojovic, Din Syamsuddin); “Rights and Social Justice” (Fernand de Varennes, Irina Kunina, Azza Karam, Walid El Abed); “Media’s Role in Bridging Divides” (Farish A. Noor, Cherian George, Komaruddin Hidayat, Abdulaziz Al Marzouqi); and “Climate Change, Global Crises, and Environmental Justice” (M. Rachmat Kaimuddin, Fitrian Ardiansyah, Nouhad Awwad, Nizhar Marizi).
Each panel discussion anchors the future work of the newly-established ‘Indonesian Institute for Human Fraternity’. Through the ideas and insights generated from this conference, UIII and HCHF are charting a new course—one that moves beyond symbolic declarations toward sustained action and innovation. The conference will also culminate in the adoption of the ‘Jakarta Declaration on Human Fraternity,’ signifying a shared commitment to advancing peaceful coexistence and collective responsibility.
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About UIII
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), also known as Indonesian International Islamic University (IIIU), is a dynamic, globally oriented educational institution dedicated to advanced studies on Islam and the Muslim world. Part of Indonesia’s National Strategic Project established based on Presidential Decree No. 57/2016, UIII is entrusted with diplomatic missions, transcending its role from a mere educational institution to representing Indonesia on the global stage in promoting moderate and peaceful Islam. UIII started its academic activities in 2021 by opening four faculties: Faculty of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Business, and Faculty of Education. Currently UIII offers 11 study programs at master’s and doctoral levels, with over 500 active students from 41 countries.
About HCHF
The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity is an international body committed to promoting the values of human unity and cooperation inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity. It was established on August 15, 2019 after the signing of the Abu Dhabi Document by His Eminence Grand Imam Al-Azhar Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis Head of the Catholic Church February 4 of that year. HCHF’s mission is to fulfill the aspirations of the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity, whereby it aims to foster peace, mutual respect, and coexistence among people of all backgrounds through dialogue, cooperation, and global engagement.
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia
