July 27, 2025
Contributor: Supriyono | Graphic Designer: Fransiska Aprilya LM
Jakarta is gearing up to host a major international gathering that will bring together leading voices from across the globe to discuss peaceful coexistence among humans of all differences. The International Conference on Human Fraternity, co-hosted by Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) and the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF) in Abu Dhabi, is scheduled for July 29–30, 2025, in Jakarta.
Under the theme “Advancing Human Fraternity Amidst Global Uncertainties: Toward a More Peaceful and Prosperous World Civilization,” the conference will feature keynote addresses, four high-level panel discussions, and the official launch of the Indonesian Institute for Human Fraternity— an institution within UIII that will serve as a center for research, dialogue, and collaborative action in advancing the values of human fraternity at both the national and global levels.
“This conference is part of the broader collaboration outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between UIII and HCHF,” said Prof. Jamhari Makruf, Rector of UIII. “It presents a valuable opportunity for UIII to engage with global partners and actively contribute to promoting peace, coexistence, and mutual respect across diverse communities.”
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Khalid AL-Ghaith, Secretary General of HCHF, emphasized the broader significance of the event, stating: “This conference signals a deepening partnership between HCHF and UIII and reaffirms Indonesia’s role in advancing global dialogue, inclusive education, and ethical innovation rooted in the values of the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity.”
The idea of human fraternity calls for a renewed commitment to solidarity and peaceful coexistence among people of all backgrounds. It gained global momentum following the historic 2019 signing of the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together by Pope Francis and Grand Imam Al- Azhar Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, which set a moral framework for promoting global unity across religious and cultural divides.
The conference’s detailed preparation has involved months of intensive coordination between teams from both UIII and HCHF. “Our joint team has worked closely to ensure this event runs smoothly,” said Ridwan al-Makassary, Ph.D., the Conference Convenor. He added that the commitment from both institutions reflects a shared vision to operationalize human fraternity through concrete initiatives, strategic networks, and long-term impact.
Mr. Herizal Hazri, Senior Advisor to HCHF, highlighted the collaborative spirit that shaped the conference planning. “Behind this event is an extraordinary synergy between UIII and HCHF teams—grounded in mutual respect, tireless coordination, and a shared mission to bring human fraternity from vision to action. It is a true testament to what can be achieved when institutions unite around a common purpose,” he said.
Additionally, Saiful Umam, Ph.D., the conference’s Steering Committee, emphasized the significance of the event. “This conference represents an important step toward embedding the principle of human fraternity into the global academic and policy landscape. The insights and networks built at the conference have the potential to reshape how we think about global solidarity,” he noted.
The conference is expected to draw over 200 participants coming from different backgrounds including scholars, policymakers, religious leaders, and civil society actors from around the world. Confirmed attendance of high-level dignitaries includes Prof. Pratikno, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs; H.E. Mr. Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of 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.
All sessions of the conference will be held under the ‘Chatham House Rule’ to encourage open, honest, and forward-looking dialogue. The event included four panel discussions with well-known speakers, namely: “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).
Additionally, the two-day conference will conclude with ‘Jakarta Declaration on Human Fraternity’ reflecting the collective commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and shared 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
