Interfaith Dialogue and the Palestinian Cause at the Heart of the Nasser Fellowship Activities
Under the patronage of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic, and in partnership with the United Nations
Nasser International Forum: Pope Tawadros II Receives Delegations of the Nasser International Leadership Fellowship During Their Visit to the Cathedral of St. Mark in Abbassia
Nasser International Forum: Visit to Al-Azhar Grand Imam’s Office and Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism Organized as Part of Day Fourteen of the Fifth Edition of the Nasser International Leadership Fellowship
Nasser International Leadership Fellowship Discusses “The Palestinian Cause: Vision and Analysis” as Part of Day Fourteen Activities, with the Participation of 150 Young Men and Women from 80 Countries
The Nasser International Forum announced the organization of a visit, marking the beginning of day fourteen activities of the fifth edition of the Nasser International Leadership Fellowship, to the Cathedral of St. Mark in Abbassia. The visit included participants of the fellowship, which is held under the patronage of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic, and in partnership with the United Nations. Around 150 young men and women from various countries around the world are participating, representing diverse executive fields, along with a number of influential and active youth leaders in their communities.
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, received Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports, a delegation of senior ministry officials, and the youth delegations participating in the fifth edition of the Gamal Abdel Nasser International Leadership Fellowship, during their visit to the Cathedral of St. Mark in Abbassia.
Pope Tawadros II warmly welcomed the participating youth delegations, expressing his delight at the diverse presence that reflects the spirit of global youth and cultural diversity. His Holiness praised such initiatives that contribute to building bridges of understanding among nations and stressed the important role that youth can play in promoting the values of coexistence and peace.
Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports, commended the national role of the Coptic Orthodox Church in strengthening social unity. He praised the activities organized by the Church, which help raise youth awareness and reinforce their connection to their history and heritage. Dr. Sobhi also noted that the Ministry is implementing programs to support youth across various fields, including leadership development, cultural awareness, and community engagement. He emphasized the importance of cooperation with different institutions to promote social cohesion and spread a culture of dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Pope Tawadros II provided a comprehensive overview of the Coptic Orthodox Church and its history, highlighting it as one of the oldest and most venerable churches in the Middle East. For this reason, it is considered the largest popular institution in Egypt. The Church was founded by Saint Mark in the first century AD and has continued to uphold its spiritual and national mission to this day under the leadership of His Holiness, the 118th Pope in the line of Coptic patriarchs.
His Holiness also outlined the societal role of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt and abroad, noting its wide-ranging services and its dedicated office for social projects serving all Egyptians. He further highlighted the Church’s efforts in establishing schools, as well as developmental, educational, and medical projects. Additionally, he spoke about the Church’s relationship with its counterparts from other Christian denominations.
In his address to the participants of the fifth edition of the Nasser International Leadership Fellowship, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II spoke about Egypt’s geographical and cultural dimensions, highlighting its unique location at the crossroads of three continents and its rich civilizational legacy, which spans seven successive civilizations. He also referred to the Nile River as a symbol of peace and connectivity between nations, as well as Egypt’s historical and spiritual significance in the holy scriptures, noting that Egypt is mentioned 704 times in the Bible.
His Holiness affirmed that Egypt has always been a cradle of knowledge, religion, and diversity. He explained that the Coptic Orthodox Church has played a pivotal role in preserving Egyptian identity, not only on the spiritual level but also in cultural and national spheres. He reviewed the Church’s contributions to spreading Christianity across Africa, the founding of the first theological school in Alexandria, and the introduction of monasticism to the world by Saint Anthony the Great—the first monk in history—which made the Coptic Church a global reference for spiritual life.
Pope Tawadros II emphasized to the fellowship participants that love is a fundamental human need and the strongest defense against hatred and division, quoting the verse, “Love never fails.” He stressed the importance of openness, respect for diversity, and acceptance of differences. He praised the Church’s role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between religions and cultures, considering this approach vital amid the modern challenges facing younger generations, such as atheism, moral deviations, and the spread of misinformation on social media. He affirmed that adhering to spiritual values and sound education is the best path to confronting these challenges and building a cohesive society founded on love and mutual understanding.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a direct dialogue session was held between Pope Tawadros II and the youth delegations, who had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss various topics in a spirit of openness and engagement. The visit also included a tour of the Grand Church within the Cathedral of St. Mark, one of the most significant symbols of the Coptic Orthodox Church, known for its profound spiritual and historical value.
For his part, Hassan Ghazaly, Founder of the Nasser International Forum, stated that the participants’ visit to the Coptic Orthodox Church and their meeting with His Holiness Pope Tawadros II represents a significant milestone in the program. It powerfully reflects the religious and cultural pluralism that characterizes Egyptian society. He emphasized that the meeting portrayed Egypt’s true identity as a homeland of diversity and coexistence. He added that hearing the Pope’s message gave the youth delegations a unique opportunity to understand the Church’s national and spiritual role and its long-standing commitment to serving humanity and society. Ghazaly concluded that the visit reinforces values of dialogue and interfaith understanding, contributing to the development of youth awareness capable of confronting hate speech and isolationism—core goals of the fellowship in preparing a new generation of global leaders who believe in peace, coexistence, and diversity.Nasser International Forum: Visit to Al-Azhar Grand Imam’s Office and Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism Organized as Part of Day Fourteen of the Fifth Edition of the Nasser International Leadership Fellowship
The Nasser International Forum also announced that participants in the fifth edition of the Nasser International Leadership Fellowship visited the Al-Azhar Grand Imam’s Office and the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism, as part of the educational tour held on day fourteen of the fellowship program. The visit aimed to introduce the international youth delegations to key Egyptian institutions and their roles in promoting peace and tolerance and supporting societal development.
The visit was attended by Dr. Mohamed Al-Duwaini, Deputy of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif; Dr. Mahmoud Al-Hawari, Assistant Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy; Major General Ismail Al-Far, First Assistant to the Minister of Youth and Sports for Youth Affairs and Governmental Relations; Alaa El-Din El-Dessouki, Undersecretary and Head of the Central Administration for Youth Development; and Reda Safina, Director General of Voluntary and Scout Programs, in addition to a number of senior officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The youth delegations were received by His Eminence Dr. Mohamed Al-Duwaini, Deputy of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, who welcomed the participants in the fifth edition of the Nasser International Leadership Fellowship. He expressed his pleasure at the visit, noting that it reflects the eagerness of young people from around the world to learn about Egypt’s historic religious institutions firsthand. In his remarks, Dr. Al-Duwaini emphasized that Al-Azhar follows a moderate and centrist approach that reflects the true essence of Islam, which calls for peace, promotes human values and citizenship, and upholds dialogue as the foundation for peaceful coexistence among all people. He pointed out that these principles form the core of Islam’s message, which makes no distinctions among individuals and affirms all human rights, including freedom of belief. He added that Al-Azhar promotes this vision through all its efforts locally and globally.
He also discussed the initiative known as the “Egyptian Family House,” which was established jointly by His Eminence the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. The initiative includes representatives of both Islam and Christianity and has achieved tangible success in Egypt by opening more than 15 branches across the country to host consultations and joint training sessions that help reinforce the values of coexistence and social peace.
During the meeting, Dr. Al-Duwaini outlined Al-Azhar’s work in promoting peace and mutual understanding, highlighting its global role in countering extremism through education, outreach, and dialogue with others. He affirmed that Al-Azhar continues to fulfill its mission through its graduates, who are present across many parts of the world and who carry its message of balance and moderation. He also referred to the work of the specialized research centers affiliated with Al-Azhar, which monitor and analyze deviant ideological trends and respond to them through knowledge and scholarly argumentation.
Dr. Al-Duwaini further spoke about the historic Document on Human Fraternity, the first joint declaration signed by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Pope of the Vatican. He described it as one of the most important documents of the modern era. The document has been adopted by the United Nations as a foundational reference for promoting human values, women’s rights, the rights of the elderly, and the inherent dignity of every individual. February 4, the day on which the document was signed, has been designated the International Day of Human Fraternity, observed annually to highlight the importance of dialogue and the pursuit of real peace between nations.
Dr. Al-Duwaini explained that the Al-Azhar Global Center for Electronic Fatwas, established in 2016, serves as one of Al-Azhar’s modern arms for addressing religious and ideological challenges. It monitors and analyzes extremist trends and responds to them using a rigorous scholarly approach. He noted that Al-Azhar includes nearly 60,000 international students from about 120 countries. These students pursue studies not only in Islamic and religious sciences but also in fields such as engineering, medicine, astronomy, and mathematics, reflecting the institution’s broad and inclusive nature.
He affirmed that Al-Azhar University, recognized as the oldest university in the world, has produced many prominent figures throughout its history. These include heads of state, ministers, and influential thinkers who have contributed to the development of their societies and served humanity. This highlights Al-Azhar’s standing as a leading educational and spiritual institution on the global stage.
The visit also included a field tour for the fellowship participants at the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism and the Global Center for Electronic Fatwas. The participants were introduced to the internal work processes of these institutions, which form a cornerstone of Al-Azhar’s efforts to combat extremism and spread accurate religious understanding.
The delegation learned about the Observatory, which was established under the guidance of the Grand Imam in 2015. The Observatory aims to correct misconceptions and confront extremist narratives using precise scholarly and religious tools. It publishes content in thirteen different languages to reach the broadest possible audience of Muslims around the world. The participants also learned about the center’s specialized departments, including a section dedicated to women’s fatwas, the “Reunion Unit” that addresses family breakdowns and divorce, and the “Bayan Unit,” which works to counter non-religious ideologies and intellectual deviations.
The tour included an introduction to the center’s various outputs, including publications, training programs, educational materials, reports, workshops, and awareness campaigns.
At the conclusion of the visit, a discussion session was held with the youth delegations. The participants expressed great interest in the content and the methods used by the center. They asked insightful questions that reflected their awareness of ideological issues and their concern about extremism. They inquired about how monitoring and analysis are conducted, how extremist rhetoric is countered in different languages, and how to engage with diverse cultures while maintaining core values. The discussion offered an important opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and raise awareness of the role of religious institutions in addressing the intellectual challenges of the modern world.
Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the Nasser International Forum and General Coordinator of the Nasser International Leadership Fellowship, stated that the visit to Al-Azhar Observatory and the Electronic Fatwa Center represents a key milestone in the fellowship’s educational program. He explained that it offers participants a unique opportunity to learn about the efforts of a venerable institution like Al-Azhar in combating extremist ideologies and promoting values of peace, moderation, and coexistence among nations. Ghazaly added that the Observatory stands as a pioneering model in using modern tools to address deviant ideologies in multiple languages, reflecting Al-Azhar’s commitment to engaging the world in a language that is universally understood. He emphasized that the visit deepens young people’s awareness of ideological issues and highlights Egypt’s role in shaping a balanced religious discourse capable of addressing contemporary intellectual and cultural challenges both locally and globally.
Nasser International Leadership Fellowship discusses “The Palestinian Cause: Vision and Analysis” as part of day fourteen’s activities with the participation of 150 youth from 80 countries
The Nasser International Forum concluded its statement by noting that the activities of the fourteenth day of the fifth edition of the Nasser International Leadership Fellowship wrapped up with a dialogue session titled “The Palestinian Cause: Vision and Analysis.” The session featured Dr. Saeed Abu Ali, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League and Head of the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector, Dr. Yasmine Moustafa, Legal Advisor at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Sahar Al-Jubouri, Head of the UNRWA Representative Office in Cairo. The discussion was moderated by Sherif Gad, Director of Cultural Activities at the Russian Cultural Center and Ambassador for Education and Science in the Russian Federation. Also in attendance were Alaa El-Din El-Dessouky, Undersecretary and Head of the Central Administration for Youth Development, Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the Nasser International Forum, and several officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Sherif Gad expressed his pleasure at being among young people from around the world, affirming that today’s youth are the leaders of the future and capable of driving social and developmental change in their home countries. He emphasized the importance of fostering an enlightened mindset that enhances communication between nations. He also praised all those who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian cause and thanked the organizing committee for selecting him to participate in such a significant session. He reiterated that Palestine remains an enduring cause across generations.
Gad noted that discussions on the Palestinian issue are often divided between a pessimistic perspective that leads to despair and an optimistic one that inspires hope. He expressed deep respect for the Egyptian people, who have consistently rejected normalization with Israel. He emphasized that public displays of normalization are absent from Egyptian streets, unlike the more overt displays seen in some other Arab countries. He stressed that the Egyptian government is fully aware of this matter and that the Egyptian people will not accept normalization until a Palestinian state is established. Only then, he stated, would there be a possibility for humane dialogue with others.
He concluded his remarks with a message of optimism despite the challenges facing the Palestinian cause, affirming that the Palestinian people remain steadfast in their rejection of displacement. He offered a tribute to the Egyptian people and leadership for their unwavering stance against forced displacement and affirmed that Palestine will endure until the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Dr. Saeed Abu Ali, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, welcomed the participating youth and expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Minister of Youth and Sports for the kind invitation to take part in this edition of the Nasser International Leadership Fellowship. He stated that he accepted the invitation out of respect for the Minister, love for the youth, and recognition of the significance of the occasion. He emphasized that this edition of the fellowship bears the name of a great and immortal leader, Gamal Abdel Nasser. Though he may be gone in body, he remains alive in the consciousness of the people of the Arab world and in the minds of its leaders. We remember him with great reverence and respect, and we pray for mercy upon his soul.
As Head of the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector, Dr. Abu Ali added that in remembering Nasser, we also recall a generation of leaders who were immortalized by their struggle for peace and justice across the globe. These include figures such as Nehru and Gandhi, and all the leaders who gave voice to the Global South and to peoples aspiring for freedom and independence. They also led efforts for development guided by justice and equality and together founded the Non-Aligned Movement. He concluded his speech by saying, “You, the youth of today, are now called upon to carry the banner of these noble and lofty principles and to continue the journey.”
Dr. Abu Ali also extended heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to Egypt, praising its pivotal role and continuous efforts led by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. He highlighted Egypt’s distinguished standing in the world, noting that it bears a historical responsibility and fulfills its mission in achieving stability and development, while continuing its essential role in upholding and solidifying core values. He stated that Egypt today is building on this great legacy and thanked the country for its decisive and important role in the current circumstances, in defending Arab causes and protecting the Palestinian people. He affirmed Egypt’s historic and ongoing support for the Palestinian struggle, which reflects its enduring message of defending the values of freedom, justice, and peace.
Dr. Abu Ali noted that this message is especially crucial today in light of the brutal war being waged against the Palestinian people. He described it as a genocidal war, particularly targeting the Gaza Strip, and as a continuation of the historical injustice the Palestinian people have suffered for more than a century.
He then reviewed the history of the Palestinian cause, pointing to the long and ongoing struggle of the Palestinian people over the past decades. He described the recent escalation in Israeli aggression, which has resulted in a significant number of martyrs, with a particular focus on targeting children and women in what appears to be a deliberate attempt to eliminate the Palestinian presence.
He stressed that the occupation uses multiple methods of forced displacement, including starvation, deprivation of water, denial of medical care, and the destruction of humanitarian, religious, and educational infrastructure such as churches, mosques, schools, and universities. He noted that the Nakba is repeating itself today, in forms reminiscent of the past, but this time it is broadcast on television screens for the entire world to see.
In this context, Dr. Abu Ali stated that the Israeli occupation seeks to silence voices that expose the truth by targeting journalists. More than 200 journalists have been killed since the start of the latest events, in what he described as a crime aimed at erasing the truth and preventing the global community from witnessing the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Dr. Saeed Abu Ali posed a question about what is required on both the Arab and international levels to confront this ongoing crime. He emphasized that we are now facing an unprecedented level of brutality and a dangerous escalation in violations, as if humanity is being dragged back to the law of the jungle. He described a blatant disregard for all human values and a destruction of the civilizational gains made in international law and the frameworks that were established to create a global system ensuring peace and security.
The Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States clarified that the crime of genocide is no longer limited to the Gaza Strip alone. It has extended in all its forms to the West Bank, turning into a comprehensive war against the entire Palestinian people, using all possible means to eliminate the Palestinian cause and displace this people from their land. He concluded that what is taking place constitutes an existential and fateful threat that requires urgent and effective action from both the Arab and international communities to stand against this horrific crime.
Dr. Abu Ali noted, during his speech, that there is some level of international movement, although slow, in response to what is happening in Palestine. At the same time, he confirmed the intensification of Arab efforts and the increase in coordinated attempts and diplomatic pressure at both the Arab and international levels to stop the war. He pointed out that 137 countries around the world now recognize the State of Palestine.
He explained that five summits have been held, the most recent in October 2023, including two joint Arab-Islamic summits and an emergency summit in Cairo. All of these gatherings agreed on a set of core demands, the most important of which are: stopping the war, delivering urgent humanitarian aid, facilitating the exchange of prisoners and hostages, opening border crossings and ending the blockade, followed by the withdrawal of Israel from the Gaza Strip and ending its control over it. They also called for opening political pathways to resolve the conflict fairly by enabling the Palestinian people to establish their independent state in accordance with international legitimacy. He stressed that this is the true gateway to peace in the region and that normal relations with Israel will not be possible without this, because there can be no stability or peace without a just solution to the Palestinian issue.
He affirmed that the Palestinian people remain steadfast, evolving in their presence and continuing their struggle. They are a resilient and original people who will not disappear. In fact, their will is stronger than ever before. He also emphasized the need to rebuild Gaza, pointing to the Egyptian initiative that was launched from the Cairo summit. This initiative has since become an Arab initiative supported by all Arab countries, representing a concrete step toward reconstruction and reinforcing the resilience of the Palestinian people.
The Head of the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector addressed the youth directly, stressing their pivotal role in their countries through their growing awareness and the vast technological capabilities at their disposal to influence and create change. He said: “You are the generation capable of making the desired change. We have complete trust in you, we depend on you, and we hold great love and appreciation for you.”
He explained that the current political developments cannot be separated from one of their fundamental pillars, which is the Arab role undertaken by the League of Arab States in cooperation with several regional and international organizations. He pointed to the serious aspirations and diligent efforts being made to develop an effective mechanism with the European Union to support the Palestinian and Arab position. He affirmed that the foundation of the Arab stance within the League of Arab States is the Palestinian initiative, as it represents the political framework that embodies the aspirations of the Palestinian people for freedom, independence, and the establishment of their sovereign state.
For her part, Yasmin Moussa, Legal Adviser at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed her deep gratitude to the team responsible for the Nasser Fellowship. She said she was proud and honored to be present at this large gathering to speak about the Palestinian cause and the role that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays in it.
She emphasized that Egypt’s connection to the Palestinian cause is organic, generational, cultural, and spiritual. The cause has shaped the political consciousness of Egyptian youth. She noted that young people strongly reject what is happening on the other side and expressed her hope that this meeting, along with the awareness and initiatives shared by the youth, will have a tangible impact in restoring rights to their rightful owners and establishing justice in this central issue.
Moussa also reviewed recent developments related to the Palestinian cause and Egypt’s efforts over the past years, especially with regard to legal aspects. She highlighted Egypt’s significant and important role in the Palestinian issue and discussed the matters that have been raised before the International Criminal Court concerning Israel’s actions and ongoing violations. These violations go beyond military occupation to include grave breaches of international humanitarian law.
She pointed out that these violations have not yet been met with a firm international response, despite the fact that international law is a foundational pillar in addressing such issues. She stressed the importance of international law and the role of international legal organizations in supporting Palestinian independence and freedom. She called for the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and for the issuance of arrest warrants for those responsible for these crimes, especially the Israeli Prime Minister, in order to achieve the desired outcomes and restore a fair and just political horizon for the Palestinian cause.
During her speech, Sahar Al-Jubouri, Head of the UNRWA Representative Office in Cairo, addressed the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). She explained that the agency provides assistance, protection, and support in various fields including education, healthcare, and emergency services. UNRWA has become the main provider of aid to Palestinians, especially under the current circumstances. She pointed out that the agency’s funding depends on donations from United Nations member states. If its operations were to end, some believe that this would mean the end of the rights of Palestinians, which is a dangerous misconception. She reviewed the scale of the humanitarian tragedy, noting that the rate of children with amputations in Gaza is the highest in the world. She also highlighted the daily efforts of the agency, such as providing over 60,000 medical consultations per day and waste removal from camps, despite the security and financial challenges it has faced since 2015.
Al-Jubouri affirmed during her speech that the current crisis is the worst that UNRWA has experienced, and that its continued operations are threatened if necessary funding is not available. She pointed out that the lack of donor support severely limits the agency’s ability to continue its work. Nevertheless, she expressed gratitude for the unprecedented support UNRWA has received from individuals and major companies since the beginning of the war. She also noted ongoing attempts to restrict donor countries and distort facts to obscure the rights of Palestinian refugees. She discussed the current situation of the Palestinian cause from UNRWA’s perspective, emphasizing the daily suffering and violations faced by the Palestinian people. She confirmed that UNRWA’s role remains vital and fundamental for every Palestinian refugee, serving as a lifeline under the harsh conditions Palestinians face, especially in the camps.
In response to one of the questions, she addressed the problem of defining terrorism at the international level, explaining that there is currently no unified international definition of terrorism. This allows each country to define it according to its own laws and regulations. She stressed that this lack of a comprehensive definition contributes to distorted perceptions, where the Palestinian resistance is portrayed as criminal acts, while the indigenous people are the real victims.
In her closing remarks, she addressed the youth, emphasizing that they have the ability to make a difference in their societies and support the Palestinian cause by any means, even if small, because every effort makes a difference.
At the end of the session, the floor was opened for discussion. Participants raised questions and contributions regarding the current situation in the Palestinian territories, potential developments in the near future, and the role of the international and Arab communities in the next phase. Questions touched on the topic of normalization. It was clarified that the Egyptian peace treaty was based on the principle of “land for peace,” which was the price Egypt paid to regain full sovereignty over Sinai. Therefore, there is no comparison between this type of normalization and other forms that do not involve reclaiming rights or achieving justice. A question was also raised about the definition of terrorism, emphasizing the absence of a unified international definition, which leads to significant differences in positions and interpretations between countries. The session continued beyond its scheduled time due to the strong interaction and lively discussions. It concluded with a group photo of the participants, in an atmosphere marked by solidarity and awareness of the Palestinian cause.
Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the Nasser International Leadership Fellowship, stated that the session was an important milestone in raising the political and humanitarian awareness of young participants from different countries around the world regarding the Palestinian cause. He pointed out that discussing the Palestinian cause with such depth and clarity reflects a genuine commitment to supporting liberation and justice causes. He stressed that the importance of the session lies in combining political vision, legal analysis, and humanitarian dimensions. This approach serves as a model for preparing young leaders capable of understanding regional and international issues and engaging with them responsibly and consciously.
It is worth noting that the fifth edition of the Nasser International Leadership Fellowship aims to transfer the Egyptian experience in establishing and building national institutions. It seeks to promote youth dialogue at the international level, especially within the framework of the United Nations. The fellowship also highlights the role of youth and women in issues of peace, security, and volunteer work. It includes discussions on global south issues, South-South cooperation, and raising youth awareness about the role of the United Nations in supporting global south causes and promoting international justice.
