Muslim Council of Elders Joined Religious Symposium
The international organization discussed interfaith cooperation and global policy at a summit in Utah.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Islam
Live Poll
Should religious leaders play a more active role in shaping global policy and addressing societal challenges?
The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the 33rd Annual International Law and Religion Symposium held at Brigham Young University. The event featured discussions on religious diplomacy and interfaith understanding.
Why it matters
Religious leaders are increasingly seeking to contribute to global policy debates surrounding technology ethics, artificial intelligence, and climate change. These dialogues aim to bridge cultural divides and challenge common stereotypes.
The International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University hosted the 33rd annual edition of this symposium. Participants included representatives from the Abu Dhabi-based Muslim Council of Elders.
The players
Muslim Council of Elders
This international organization promotes peace and interfaith dialogue from its headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
Mohamed Bahr
He serves as the Director of Strategic Planning at the Muslim Council of Elders and leads efforts in religious diplomacy.
Brigham Young University
This educational institution in Provo hosted the symposium through its International Center for Law and Religion Studies.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb
He is a prominent religious leader who co-signed the historic 2019 Document on Human Fraternity.
Pope Francis
The head of the Catholic Church who signed the Document on Human Fraternity alongside Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb.
The details
Mohamed Bahr, the Director of Strategic Planning at the Muslim Council of Elders, engaged with students to promote religious diplomacy. The Council focuses on interfaith cooperation through diverse channels, including climate conferences and international technology initiatives.
Timeline
The Muslim Council of Elders was established in 2014.
The Document on Human Fraternity was signed in 2019.
The 33rd Annual International Law and Religion Symposium took place October 4-6, 2026.
Culture Shift
The participation in the symposium follows the collaborative framework established by the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity. This move signals a shift toward institutionalized interfaith cooperation in academic and policy circles.
Students and residents in Provo gained direct access to international perspectives on religious diplomacy and global technology ethics. These interactions provide the local community with firsthand exposure to interfaith dialogue strategies.
The takeaway
Engaging in academic dialogue allows diverse religious institutions to shape the discourse on pressing global challenges like artificial intelligence. Readers can foster their own understanding by seeking out interfaith events and educational forums in their local regions.
Further reading
Learn more about global interfaith initiatives in the Islam section.
Live Poll
Should religious leaders play a more active role in shaping global policy and addressing societal challenges?
