2016

On 27–28 January 2016, more than thirty prominent global figures — including current and former presidents, prime ministers, scholars from East and West, and religious representatives — met in Rome to address radicalisation and extremism, and to assess how interfaith dialogue can contribute to peacebuilding.

Recent terrorist attacks in Beirut, Paris and other regions had intensified concerns over the global impact of religious radicalisation. While religion is often cited as a driving force behind violence, participants emphasized that it is only one of several interconnected factors behind modern conflicts.

The high-level meeting, organised by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center in cooperation with the Italian Society for International Organization and facilitated by mediatEUr, took place at the Grand Hotel Minerva. The opening session was hosted at the Italian Senate’s historic Sala Zuccari in Palazzo Giustiniani, followed by an official ceremony with the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella. NGIC Co-Chairs Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga and Ismail Serageldin delivered remarks.

Throughout the discussions, participants examined lessons from past and present interfaith initiatives, calling for policymakers to elevate interfaith dialogue as a practical tool for conflict mitigation. They also analysed the roots of radicalisation, the misuse of religion by extremist groups, and the role of the state in safeguarding religious freedom.

The influence of media and digital interconnectivity was explored, with leaders noting both the challenges of manipulation and the opportunities these platforms offer for fostering greater understanding between faiths. A significant part of the debate focused on the roles of youth and women — both as vulnerable targets and as potential agents of dialogue and prevention.

The meeting produced substantial recommendations and set the stage for deeper conversations at the 4th Global Baku Forum held on 10–11 March 2016.