KAICIID: Historic Day for International Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue

VIENNA, November 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

- The founding states of the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) approved all the preparatory work and made decisions for the future working of the centre.

- Cross reference: Picture is available via epa european pressphoto agency and can be downloaded free of charge at: http://www.epa.eu and http://www.ots.at/presseaussendung/OTS_20121102_OTS0090

The representatives of the KAICIID founding states, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Austria and the Kingdom of Spain, met as the Council of Parties in Vienna on October 31st 2012. The occasion was attended by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia Prince Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, the Austrian State Secretary Mr. Reinhold Lopatka and the Ambassador of Spain to Austria H.E. Mr. Yago Pico de Coana y de Valicour. Reverend Father Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue at the Vatican, who represents the Holy See as well as the Catholic Church on the Board of Directors, was also present.

Since its establishment in 2011, a Preparatory Commission, which has become the Council of Parties, has overseen a number of key developments in the journey of KAICIID, such as the establishment of Rules of Procedures for all main organs of the Centre and the financial regulations. In addition a Headquarter Agreement was made between the Centre and the Republic of Austria. Other notable activities over this period included meetings between the Board of Directors and the leaders of religious communities in Vienna and with the Archbishop of Canterbury in London.

The founding states ratified the work done to date and made major decisions including the appointments of the Secretary General H.E. Faisal Abdulrahman Bin Muaammar, of the Deputy Secretary General Claudia Bandion-Ortner, of the members of the Board of Directors and the confirmation of the Holy See as a Founding Observer.

The Secretary General emphasised: "This is a historic moment; as it enables KAICIID to double its efforts as a centre of dialogue, to be a home for the followers of religions and take its place on the international stage to fulfil its vision and mission and meet the expectations of the Council of Parties and the Board of Directors."

"As a former judge I know the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts. And it is a great honour for Austria to have been given the privilege to host this centre." said the Deputy Secretary General Claudia Bandion-Ortner.

And finally Father Miguel Angel Ayuso explained: "Dialogue based on respect, mutual understanding and collaboration is a vital necessity for our present and future." and stressed that "As an observer of the Holy See and a member of the Board of Directors for the Catholic Church I will have the opportunity to support the KAICIID in promoting these values."

KAICIID: A Centre of Dialogue in Vienna

The King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) was founded to enable, empower and encourage dialogue among followers of different religions and cultures around the world. Located in Vienna a city long used to being a bridgehead between the world religions and the cultures, the Centre is an independent, UN-recognised, international organisation, free of political or economic influence.

The Founding States of the Centre (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Austria and Kingdom of Spain) constitute the "Council of Parties" responsible for overseeing the establishment of the Centre. The Holy See has a role as a Founding Observer.

The Board of Directors comprises high-level representatives of the major world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism). Its Secretariat is headed by a Secretary General. An Advisory Forum of up to 100 members of other religions, cultural institutions and international organisations will provide a further resource of interreligious and intercultural perspective.

The Centre will act as a hub among religions and cultures, empowering others already working in the field of dialogue and promoting harmony and cooperation. As an international organisation, the Centre aims to contribute to conflict prevention and resolution, the creation of lasting peace, the fostering of social cohesion, the promotion of mutual respect and understanding among followers of different religions and cultures.

The official opening and inauguration of KAICIID will take place on November 26^th, 2012 in Vienna.

For more information please visit us at http://www.kaiciid.org

Further Pictures:

http://www.apa-fotoservice.at/galerie/3569

Contact:
KAICIID Press centre, Dr. Mario Gündl
T: +43(1)513-92-33-20
E: guendl@gp-ddws.com