Addis Ababa, May 13, 2025 (FMC) — The FDRE President Taye Atske-Selassie has urged religious institutions to strengthen their role in promoting sustainable peace and development across Africa.
Opening the 3rd International Conference on Peace, Solidarity, and Development in Addis Ababa, President Taye emphasized the crucial role of religious leaders in building peace and supporting progress on the continent.
“Interfaith dialogue is not merely a moral imperative—it is a practical force for progress. When religious leaders unite in advocating for the common good, they amplify our collective voice and mobilize grassroots action,” he stated.
He noted that faith-based organizations are already playing a leading role in humanitarian assistance, conflict resolution, and democratic engagement—contributions that align with the core pillars of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
President Taye also highlighted the importance of mutual understanding and solidarity to overcome growing global challenges and maintain peace and development.
He called for justice and reparations for Africans and people of African descent, describing reparative justice as essential for healing, dignity, and a just future.
He expressed appreciation for the contributions of religious leaders to Ethiopia’s national dialogue process, emphasizing the need to continue embracing “dialogue over discord, discourse over dissension, and compassion over callosity.”
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, in his remarks, affirmed that the African Union is committed to promoting religious freedom and equality in its broader efforts to ensure peace and development.
Kesis Tagay Tadele, Secretary-General of the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia, stated that the Council remains committed to strengthening interfaith cooperation for peace and development, while continuing to promote love and harmony among communities.
Ambassador Mussie Hailu, Regional Director of United Religions Initiative–Africa, emphasized that religious organizations have a vital role to play in achieving a prosperous Africa by 2063. He called for enhanced respect, collaboration, and collective action to address global challenges.
The two-day conference aims to provide insights to G20 member countries on addressing social and economic challenges, including peacebuilding, human rights, climate change, and environmental protection.
The annual interfaith gathering is organized by the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia, United Religions Initiative–Africa, and the G20 Interfaith Forum, in collaboration with the African Union. It seeks to advance interfaith harmony, peace, and sustainable development across the continent.