World Philosophy Day 2014 - Contribution of Ali ibn Abi Talib’s thought to a culture of peace and intercultural dialogue

This roundtable is organized – on the occasion of the World Philosophy Day 2014 – by the UNESCO Office in Iraq within the framework of the “Safeguarding the cultural heritage of Najaf and promoting its international visibility” project, funded by the Ministry of Culture of Iraq.

The event is highly topical in the present context in Iraq and the Middle East. It is at the centre of UNESCO’s core mission “to create new channels of understanding and bridges for dialogue, to advance a truer and more perfect knowledge of each other’s lives, cultures and history”, as UNESCO’s Director-General, Irina Bokova, recently stated on the occasion of the presentation of Volume I of “The Different Aspects of Islamic Culture”.

Ali ibn Abi Talib is venerated by Shiite Muslims as the first in the line of their imams. As an historical figure, as the fourth Caliph and as a model of wisdom, he is also held in high respect by Sunni Muslims.

A key asset of the roundtable is UNESCO providing a platform for dialogue around one of the most emblematic figures of Islam, whose humanism and tolerance of other faiths transcend current conflict.

Eight speakers, from both Iraq and other countries, will present their papers to illustrate the thought of Ali ibn Abi Talib, and discuss his importance within the framework of a culture of peace and intercultural dialogue.

Followed by the launch of the publication "Najaf: The Gate of Wisdom".