Claudia Bandion-Ortner, Deputy Secretary General, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID)

Q: Why is education considered essential for peace?

Education is vital because it shapes how individuals perceive other cultures and religions. By fostering knowledge and understanding from a young age and continuing through lifelong learning, society can neutralize prejudice and remove the foundation upon which extremism grows.

Q: How does media influence the spread of extremism?

Media, particularly social media, serves as a platform where many extremists form their distorted perceptions of others. Because these spaces can be dangerous, it is critical to work alongside media organizations to promote accurate information and constructive dialogue instead.

Q: What is the primary challenge to establishing interfaith alliances?

The biggest challenge is that every major religion contains diverse streams and internal factions. Reaching all of these groups is difficult, as extremist elements often exist within various religious communities, requiring persistent and widespread efforts to promote common values.

Q: What role does dialogue play in international relations?

Dialogue is the fundamental solution to conflicts between different groups. Constant communication, participation in conferences, and sitting together to discuss shared issues allow people to bridge divides and discover the common values that unite all faiths and cultures.

Abstract

In this video, Claudia Bandion-Ortner, Deputy Secretary General of KAICIID, highlights the necessity of dialogue and education to foster social peace. She emphasizes that by actively promoting mutual understanding and correcting biased perceptions through media and lifelong learning, society can neutralize extremism. The discussion underscores that while common values exist across traditions, collaborative efforts are required to address the challenges posed by radical streams.