The project aimed to strengthen peace, intercultural understanding, and interfaith harmony in Ethiopia—a country known for its long-standing traditions of coexistence and tolerance. In response to growing global narratives of conflict and the misuse of religion, the initiative adopted an appreciative approach, focusing on positive practices and lessons that can help sustain peace and prevent future tensions.
Implemented by HOLLA Young Leaders during World Interfaith Harmony Week, the event created a platform for dialogue through a panel discussion featuring speakers from the African Artists Peace Initiative, the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology, and ACWAY. The programme engaged primarily youth, alongside other stakeholders, and included a screening of “Religious Leaders as One,” highlighting interfaith collaboration in addressing societal challenges. Overall, the initiative fostered meaningful dialogue and reinforced the role of young people in preserving and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Background
Horn of Africa Leadership and Learning for Action is a British Council-EU joint program supporting youth leadership in Sudan, South Sudan and Ethiopia. The group uses arts as advocacy and raises awareness in different social issues. The program is aimed at promoting community cohesion through promoting youth leadership in development. As part of my being selected as one of the A Common Word Among the Youth (ACWAY 100) fellows, and being part of the HOLLA Young Leaders, I was inspired to initiate this event with the HOLLA Youth focused on Peaceful Coexistence, Interfaith and Intercultural Harmony in Ethiopia, after which we implemented the event together.
Objectives
The major objective of the event was to create inspiration among youth on interfaith and intercultural harmony in Ethiopia and learn from what was working. It specifically aimed to provide deeper insight into conflict by taking an appreciative inquiry approach and inspiring discussions on the elements needed for peaceful coexistence.
Outputs & Outcomes
Outputs:
- Participants gain deeper insight into conflict and peaceful coexistence
- Participants have a platform to share their experience and learn from what’s working
- Participants inspired to join more causes on peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony.
Outcomes:
- Inspire a more tolerant society appreciative of cultural and religious differences and similarities A generation of young leaders who are active warriors of peace.
Key activities
- A short documentary, “Religious Leaders as One,” was screened, showcasing how faith leaders in Ethiopia collaborate to address development challenges and promote community-based solutions.
- Panel presentations were delivered by representatives from ACWAY, the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology, and the African Artists Peace Initiative, covering interfaith dialogue, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding initiatives, followed by an interactive Q&A session.
- Roundtable discussions allowed participants to reflect on the themes, exploring the role of art, dialogue, and cultural understanding in fostering peace and harmony.
- The programme concluded with group presentations and a closing activity where participants made personal pledges to promote peace and prevent conflict in their communities.