UNESCO CHAIR For Inter-Religious Dialogue Studies in The Islamic World
Dr. Alaa Shatnan, Director of the UNESCO Chair, along with the Chair’s distinguished members—Dr. Tahseen Fadhel, Dr. Raed Obais, and Dr. Hassan Al-Sarraaf—participated in an academic symposium convened by the Imam Amir al-Mu’minin (Peace Be Upon Him) Center for Specialized Studies and Research, held in the sacred city of Najaf on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025.
The symposium, titled “The State of Humanity and Concepts of Social Justice in the Thought of Imam Amir al-Mu’minin (Peace Be Upon Him),” was a scholarly and intellectual dialogue that brought together a constellation of religious and academic figures from diverse backgrounds. Among the notable participants were Sayyed Fadel Al-Jaberi, Father Roni Isaac Hanna, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Nouri, Father Amir Jaji, as well as Mr. Rajab Assi, representing the Kakais in Iraq.
The symposium explored the profound and timeless principles of social justice as embodied in the thought of Imam Ali (Peace Be Upon Him). The presented papers delved into interfaith dialogue, peaceful coexistence, justice within the state, and the inclusive vision of non-Muslims within society. The discussions were enriched by insightful scholarly contributions from academics and intellectuals who presented perspectives grounded in Islamic, Christian, and other theological traditions.
The participants unanimously affirmed that justice, in its truest essence, transcends all distinctions, embracing every human being with equity and dignity. They highlighted how Imam Ali’s (Peace Be Upon Him) legacy is a beacon of equality and tolerance, rooted deeply in the moral fabric of humanity.
