Bridging Differences, Respecting Diversity, Building Global Fraternity
The Times Kuwait Report
The importance of international fraternity in advancing solutions to the convergence of global crises over the past few years has never been more acute. Overcoming geopolitical rivalries and social differences, and finding space to build solidarity, compassion, and respect for the cultural and religious diversity among people, is vital if the world is to progress as a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable community.
Last October, during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres presented a report titled ‘Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace’.
The report pointed out that increasingly fragmented societies, limited economic opportunities, persistent inequalities and shrinking civic space have heightened tensions and instability.
The report noted that in 2023, the world recorded the highest number of armed conflicts since 1946, with 9 of the 10 countries with the lowest human development indicators in 2023 being in a state of conflict. By the end of 2024, more than 123 million people were displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations, and extreme weather events, with conflicts claiming the lives of more than 50,000 civilians amid rising violence and institutional failures.
The document underlined that the evolving nature of conflicts reflected deepening geopolitical divides that constrain collective problem-solving and erode compliance with the Charter of the United Nations. It also makes overall progress in implementation of the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) fragile and unequal. In particular, this has stalled progress in realizing SDG 16, which calls for promoting peaceful, equitable societies, and building effective, inclusive institutions.
The report emphasized the need for Member States to remain committed to the ‘Pact for the Future’—the agreement that world leaders adopted at the UN ‘Summit of the Future’ in September 2024. Among others, the Pact calls for building a more peaceful, inclusive, effective and multilateral global system to tackle the interconnected challenges of the 21st century.
The UN report urged Members to promote and support intercultural and interreligious dialogue, with the aim of addressing the root causes of conflict, eradicating religious discrimination, and countering racism in all its manifestations. Observing that boosting social cohesion helps build peaceful societies, the document called for respecting diversity and human rights, as well as developing educational initiatives to fight discrimination, in cooperation with civil society, academia, and public agencies.
Social scientists point out that at the basic level the development of a pluralistic society requires the existence of effective interreligious, intercultural platforms to build mutual understanding, acceptance, and tolerance among people. These platforms help promote cooperative, constructive, and positive interaction between people of different religious traditions and beliefs, at both the individual and institutional levels.
To its credit, Kuwait has since the early 18th century been a multi-cultural society with a cosmopolitan outlook, as evidenced by its history of regional maritime links and a bustling port that attracted traders from across the seas. Discovery of oil in the late 1930s further entrenched international exposure, with people from around the world seeking work in the country. Kuwait has over the decades remained committed to its pluralistic religious, cultural approach, promoting moderation, peaceful co-existence, and social cohesiveness.
Kuwait’s support for a multicultural, multireligious society is grounded in the country’s constitution, which declares freedom of belief to be ‘absolute’ and provides for state protection of the freedom to practice all religions in accordance with established customs and provided it does not conflict with public policy or morals. The constitution also grants all individuals equality before the law, regardless of their religion.
Furthermore, the National Unity Law of 2012 criminalizes acts or statements that instigate hatred, sedition or discrimination among segments of Kuwaiti society based on their tribes, religions, gender, or race. Violations of this law by individuals are punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment, a heavy fine of KD10,000 to KD100,000 or both.
Today, expatriates from over a 100 countries constitute more than 70 percent of Kuwait’s population, and represent a vibrant multicultural society that lives together in harmony. The country’s role in fostering an inclusive environment that supports religious beliefs and respects diversity and differences is particularly significant given that in many parts of the world erecting religious and racial silos are increasingly becoming the norm, with peaceful coexistence the exception.
Interreligious and intercultural platforms are crucial for building bridges of trust, breaking down stereotypes, and promoting mutual understanding among diverse communities.
Support for these platforms can be built through local grassroots groups, private and public enterprises, government and international entities, all working together and welcoming diversity with the aim of fostering social cohesion. As a strategic practice, inter-religious and -cultural platforms help facilitate discussions, combat intolerance, hate speech and discrimination, and enhance social harmony. They create spaces for promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and open channels of communication among faiths and beliefs in a spirit of sincere acceptance and empathy, without forcing specific paradigm or one’s beliefs on others.
In mid-January Kuwait further burnished its image as a pluralistic society, welcoming the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who arrived in the country in what he described as both a pastoral and diplomatic visit. In a meeting with local media on the occasion, Cardinal Parolin emphasized the pastoral importance of his visit, noting that it coincided with the historic elevation of the Church of Our Lady of Arabia, in Ahmadi to the rank of Minor Basilica, a moment he described as of great significance for the Catholic faithful.
Pointing out that freedom of worship is a measure of a society’s maturity and confidence, Cardinal Parolin said that Kuwait’s experience of religious coexistence shows that protecting religious life can coexist with social harmony, benefiting society by strengthening trust, stability, and responsibility. He noted that in Kuwait, commitment to social cohesion and respect for others is not merely a policy, it is a culture expressed in the daily life of people that deserves wider recognition.
He also emphasized the essential role of interfaith dialogue in fostering peace and stability, noting that such dialogue must be practical rather than theoretical. Saying that practical dialogue involves building relationships, erasing misunderstandings, and working together on what serves human dignity, he cited education, family life, care for the poor, and rejection of violence in God’s name as shared values.
On the diplomatic front, the cardinal underlined the Vatican’s deep appreciation for the longstanding relationship with Kuwait, describing it as one rooted in mutual respect, sincere dialogue, and a shared commitment to peace and human dignity. Noting that the Vatican highly values its relationship with Kuwait, he added that it occupies a distinctive place in the Holy See’s engagement with the region. Lauding Kuwait’s humanitarian efforts, he said this shared concern for human dignity provided a firm base for deeper collaboration between the two sides.
Reaffirming the Vatican’s long-standing investment in interfaith dialogue across the Middle East, the Holy See’s representative welcomed all serious efforts aimed at promoting mutual understanding and a culture of peace. He added, “This is particularly meaningful in a region where conflicts have too often exploited religious identity for political ends.”
As a vital element in the cultural diplomacy of nations, interfaith and intercultural dialogue bridges differences and fosters an environment of moderation and mutual understanding between faiths and communities. Supporting the development of pluralistic communities enriches diversity, inclusivity, and empathy, safeguarding our common humanity and shared values. This is a goal that both individuals and institutions need to actively promote and pursue for a prosperous and peaceful world.
