June 26, 2025
Contributor: Supriyono | Graphic Designer: Fransiska Aprilya LM
Jakarta, Indonesia — Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) in Depok, Indonesia, and the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, are pleased to announce the International Conference on Human Fraternity, scheduled to take place in Jakarta from 29–30 July 2025.
The conference, part of direct outcomes of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UIII and HCHF on 3 September 2024, will serve as the official launch of the “Indonesian Institute of Human Fraternity,” a landmark initiative to advance global dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration across borders.
Under the theme “Advancing Human Fraternity Amidst Global Uncertainties: Toward a More Peaceful and Prosperous World Civilization”, the conference will gather government officials, religious leaders, scholars, activists, and civil society organizations from across the globe. Together, participants will address pressing global issues and explore actionable ways to foster cooperation and understanding in an increasingly polarized world.
“Through this conference, UIII and the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity reaffirm our shared commitment to making the ideals of human fraternity a lived reality for communities across the globe,” said Prof. Jamhari, Rector of UIII. “This event will serve not just a call but also an active effort to build mutual understanding, foster collaboration, and create a foundation for a more inclusive and just society in the world.”
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 Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together signed in 2019 in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb.
“The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity believes in a simple but powerful idea: that we all belong to one human family,” stated H.E. Ambassador Dr. Khalid Al Ghaith, Secretary General of HCHF. The statement reflects the conference’s focus on fostering understanding, mutual respect, and solidarity across cultures and religions, reminding that despite differences, humanity is united by a shared sense of belonging.
The upcoming international conference is designed as a pivotal step in advancing the concept of human fraternity as a guiding force for addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. The conference will explore four key focus areas: “Building Fraternity Across Borders”, “Rights and Social Justice”, “Media’s Role in Bridging Divides”, and “Climate Change, Global Crises, and Environmental Justice”.
The first panel with the theme “Building Fraternity Across Borders” will highlight the role of human fraternity in addressing global migration, poverty alleviation and refugee solidarity. It will feature three speakers: Valeria Martano, Consultor of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Italy; Heidi Kuhn, Founder of Roots of Peace, USA; and Emily Bojovic, UNHCR Indonesia.
The second panel on “Rights and Social Justice” will focus on creating frameworks for global harmony, with speakers Fernand de Varennes, the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues from Canada; Ravan Hasanov, Executive Director at Baku International Multiculturalism Centre; and Azza Karam, Award-winning Executive and founder of LEAD Integrity, USA.
The theme “Media’s Role in Bridging Divides” will address the critical role of media in combating misinformation and promoting human fraternity. The speakers will include Cherian George, Professor at the Hongkong Baptist University’s School of Communication; Komaruddin Hidayat, the Chairman of Indonesia Press Council; and Farish Noor, Professor at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII).
The last session “Climate Change, Global Crises, and Environmental Justice” will explore the collaborative efforts for sustainable living, with speakers Rachmat Kaimuddin, Indonesian Deputy Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment for Infrastructure and Transport Coordination; Nizhar Marizi, Environmental Director at Indonesia’s Ministry of National Development Planning; Nouhad Awwad, the Ummah for Earth’s Campaigner and Global Outreach Coordinator at Greenpeace MENA; and Fitrian Ardiansyah, Impact Director of Asia Climate-smart Landscape Fund (ACLF), ADM Capital, Hongkong.
The conference will mark an important step for the shared commitment of UIII and HCFC in offering a space for dialogue and collaboration across borders and disciplines. By bringing together diverse voices, it aims to nurture a spirit of mutual understanding, respect, and solidarity, reinforcing the values of human fraternity for a more hopeful future for all.
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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
