Launched by H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, in June 2023 (Dhul-Qa‘dah 1444 AH) from the United Nations platform in New York:
The “Building Bridges between East and West” Initiative — promoting effective friendship and tangible cooperation among the peoples of the world — aims to achieve peace, harmony, and prosperity while reinforcing the UN Charter. It seeks to counter ideologies, slogans, and practices of “civilizational clashes,” “political conflicts,” and “various divisions,” through full understanding and respect for everyone’s religious and cultural distinct features and their inherent human dignity.
This global initiative, featuring effective and sustainable programs, was launched in a historic ceremony attended by leaders of the international organization, along with a distinguished group of religious figures and parliamentary and intellectual leaders from around the world.
Speeches were delivered at the opening ceremony by the President of the UN General Assembly, the UN Secretary-General, the High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, and H.E. the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars.
This international engagement represents the first of its kind in the history of the United Nations.