Saturday 31 Jan 2025
The Centre of Christian-Muslim Understanding & Partnership (CCMUP) organized the Second Edition of the Dr. Ali Elsamman Award for Peace and Dialogue on Saturday, 31 January 2026. The ceremony also celebrates the 24th anniversary of the signing of the historic Dialogue Agreement between the Anglican Communion and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, which was signed on 30 January 2002.
The event was held at the Theatre of the All Saints Anglican Cathedral in Zamalek, Cairo, in the presence of Bishop Dr. Sami Fawzy, Archbishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Province of Alexandria; Bishop Dr. Mounir Hanna Anis, CCMUP Director and Archbishop Emeritus; H.E. Dr. Ali Gomaa, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars of Al-Azhar and former Grand Mufti of Egypt; and Mrs. Brigitte Elsamman, wife of the late Dr. Ali Elsamman.
CCMUP was keen to ensure that the ceremony’s program was thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit and purpose of the Award. The evening opened with welcoming remarks by Mr. Kareem Gerges, Director of International Partnerships and Communications at the Center, and Ms. Ayat Abdelaziz, Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Project Coordinator. This was followed by the screening of a short film highlighting the Center’s founding story, mission, and future vision. Subsequent speeches expressed deep appreciation for the legacy of Dr. Ali Elsamman and reaffirmed the vital importance of peacebuilding efforts within Egyptian society.
Powerful and Inspiring Words
In his address, Archbishop Dr. Sami Fawzy stated:
“We gather today at All Saints’ Cathedral not merely to commemorate a figure from the past, but to renew our commitment to a living mission, one inspired by the thought and legacy of Dr. Ali Elsamman. He was not a chapter in history, but a lasting source of inspiration and a builder of bridges between people. He believed that nations are built on trust and understanding, that diversity is not a threat but a source of richness, and that dialogue is not a slogan, but a way of life that opens doors, strengthens relationships, and nurtures peace.”
He added that Dr. Elsamman’s legacy lives on through practical initiatives, emphasizing that the Award is not simply a competition for artistic or community-based projects, but rather a cultural and spiritual message that plants the seeds of tolerance and peace. He also recalled the 24th anniversary of the Dialogue Agreement between Al-Azhar and the Anglican Church, an agreement Dr. Elsamman helped shape, affirming that the truest way to honor his memory is by continuing to build bridges, promote peace, and serve society with love and compassion.
A Journey from Vision to Impact
Bishop Dr. Mounir Hanna Anis, CCMUP Director, shared the story of the dream behind its establishment and the tangible outcomes it has achieved:
“Today, we celebrate 24 years since the signing of the Dialogue Agreement between the Anglican Church and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, an agreement that led to the creation of the CCMUP to promote peace, mutual understanding and serve society. The Episcopal/Anglican Church is the third largest church in the world, with 85 million members across 165 countries. From this global presence and spiritual weight, Dr. Ali Elsamman’s vision emerged with remarkable foresight when he called for a dialogue agreement between Al-Azhar and the Episcopal/Anglican Church.”
Since the agreement’s signing on 30 January 2002, annual meetings between the leadership of Al-Azhar and the Church have been held, significantly strengthening mutual understanding and fostering values of respect and affection.
In 2008, the dialogue expanded from an institutional framework into community-based engagement through grassroots peacebuilding initiatives. These included the children’s initiative “Together We Plant a Tree of Hope” and the youth initiative “Together for the Development of Egypt”, launched in cooperation with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Misr El-Kheir Foundation. Additionally, a three-year initiative titled “Together for Egypt” brought together 100 imams and priests from various Christian denominations across Egypt, reinforcing a culture of partnership and collective action for the public good.
Faith, Openness, and Courage in Times of Crisis
Reflecting on the events following the revolution of January 25, 2011, Bishop Mouneer recalled the spread of false rumors alleging that churches were storing weapons, rumors that led to the burning of the Church of the Virgin Mary in the Cairo neighborhood of Imbaba. Following the incident, he joined Al-Azhar colleagues on a fact-finding committee to uncover the truth behind the events.
In response to this painful episode, a bold decision was made to open the church’s doors to all members of the community, affirming that the Church’s role is to embrace, not withdraw, and to build trust rather than fear. From this spirit emerged the “Gusour” Cultural Center (Gusour an Arabic word meaning ‘bridges’), as well as the establishment of Granita Café within the church; open spaces welcoming everyone and embodying the values of encounter, dialogue, and coexistence.
In 2021, Bishop Dr. Mouneer retired and handed over leadership to Archbishop Dr. Sami Fawzy, who invited Bishop Dr. Mouneer to help realize his long-held dream of formally establishing the Center. With the blessing of H.E. the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and the representation of H.E. Dr. Nazir Ayyad, Grand Mufti of Egypt, as a member in CCMUP’s Board of Trustees, the Center was founded as a unique peace-building model in the Middle East, rooted in a genuine partnership between Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Episcopal/Anglican Church.
To date, CCMUP has organized several peace-building projects in collaboration with its strategic partners including Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Misr El-Kheir Foundation, CSOs, the Coptic Orthodox Church, and the Catholic Church.
Honoring a Life Dedicated to Humanity
H.E. Dr. Ali Gomaa shared his reflections, stating:
“It was a joyful evening and a meaningful gathering in remembrance of the late Dr. Ali Elsamman, a man known for his service to the nation, humanity, and the media. His actions honored him and elevated his name to a global platform of service, drawing on his vast knowledge to advance dialogue, development, and peacebuilding. He lived a life of sincere devotion, never neglecting prayer or duty. His cooperation with Al-Azhar scholars in dialogue initiatives left a profound impact, and his guidance was a source of inspiration to all.”
He also expressed deep appreciation for Mme. Brigitte Elsamman, for her continued extraordinary efforts, support and dedication to Dr. Aly’s legacy of interfaith and intercultural peace-building.
A Call to Action
Continuing her dear husband’s legacy, Mme. Brigitte Elsamman delivered her annual address, traveling from France to witness and help materialize the ceremony and initiatives that carry forward and immortalize Dr. Aly’s vision. She urged the audience:
“We cannot stand idly by or remain passive. I call upon everyone here today to raise your voices and become committed ambassadors in support of CCMUP and the continued success of the Dr. Ali Elsamman Award for Peace and Dialogue. Your role is to mobilize young people around you, encourage their engagement with the award-winning projects, and help them recognize the importance of real-world participation in promoting dialogue, coexistence, love, and peace.”
Winners of the Dr. Ali Elsamman Award for Peace and Dialogue
- First Prize (EGP 50,000)
“Dialogue on the Document on Human Fraternity” by Mediterranean Youth Foundation
The project aimed to create safe spaces for youth dialogue and mutual understanding in relation to the Document on Human Fraternity: a joint statement signed by Pope Francis of the Catholic Church and Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, on 4 February 2019 in Abu Dhabi, supporting human compassion and solidarity
The award was received by Ms. Yasmin Alaa El-Din on behalf of the foundation. - Second Prize (EGP 30,000)
Mrs.Treza Kamal, journalist at Al-Masry Al-Youm, for a series of journalistic pieces on peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in Upper Egypt. - Third Prize (EGP 20,000)
Climatic Peace Group, a cross-border youth initiative originating in Egypt and extending to Nigeria, Pakistan, and Yemen, empowering youth of diverse faiths to collaborate on climate action and peacebuilding.
The award was received by Mr. Ahmed Salem on behalf of the group.
In addition, the Center honored shortlisted nominees with certificates of appreciation in recognition of their peacebuilding initiatives, including the journalists Ms. Marcelle Nazmy and Ms. Mirna Magued, Imam Mr. Mohamed Mostafa (on behalf of Al-Azhar Language Center), Mr. Mohamed Ragab, Mr. Gamal Abdel-Hamid Ahmed (on behalf of Masaeena Youth and Development Foundation), and Mr. Mina Adel.
Music: The Language of Peace
As novelist Sarah Dessen once wrote, “Music is the great connector.” Reflecting this spirit, music served as the unifying thread throughout the evening. The performance opened with a heritage melody renowned for crossing borders and cultures, explored in the 2003 documentary “Whose Song Is This?”, which traced its journey through Turkish, Greek, Armenian, and Arab traditions.
First recorded in the 19th century as “Üsküdar”, the melody is often attributed to Mulla Othman Al-Mosuli and has appeared in diverse forms, from a Muslim Sufi praise of the Prophet Muhammad titled “طالما اشكو غرامي – How Long Have I Been Complaining of My Love for You”, to a Coptic Christian hymn “At the Break of Dawn “عند شق الفجر باكر”, and the popular secular song “يا بنات اسكندرية – Oh Girls of Alexandria.”
The evening concluded with “Qadiyyat Om Ahmed (the Case of Ahmad) قضية عم احمد” by renowned Egyptian composer Omar Khairat, a piece that transcended its origins as film music to become an iconic composition symbolizing the human longing for dignity, justice, and belonging.
The performances were delivered by the following musicians: Ms. Maryam El-Shihabi (Cello), Mr. Mahmoud Kamel (Oud), Mr. Arthur Nabil Lamei (Qanun), Mr. Andrew Sameh Shokry (Percussion), Ms. Sahar El-Hawari (Saxophone), and Mr. Karim Girgis (Piano and ensemble conductor).
Singer and actress Ms. Rula Zaki also beautifully performed the iconic song “Ta‘raf Tetkallem Baladi تعرف تتكلم بلدي”, lyrics by Gamal Bekheit and music by Omar Khairat. Born in Cairo on June 13, Rula began her artistic career at the age of twelve and is widely known for voicing Cinderella and Ariel in Egyptian versions. She sings in approximately twelve languages.
Distinguished Guests
In addition to the distinguished speakers, the ceremony was also attended by a prominent group of religious leaders, public figures, and intellectuals, including representatives of the Ministry of Religious Endowments, Dar Al-Ifta, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Church leaders, ministers, diplomats, journalists, academics, business and civil society leaders, including:
- Dr. El-Sayed Abdel-Bari, representing H.E. Prof. Dr. Osama Al-Azhari, Minister of Religious Endowments
- Dr. Mostafa Abdel-Karim, Secretary of Fatwa at Dar Al-Ifta Al-Masriyyah, representing H.E. Prof. Dr. Nazir Ayyad, Grand Mufti of Egypt;
- Fr. Dr. Jean Jacques Pérennès, former Director of the Dominican Institute for Oriental Studies.
- Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Pisani, Director of the Dominican Institute for Oriental Studies (IDEO);
- Engineer and businessman Magdy El-Taher.
- Fr. Rafic Greiche, Priest of St. Cyril’s Greek Catholic Church.
- H.E. Dr. Ahmed Zaki Badr, former Minister of Education;
- H.E. Dr. Ziad Bahaa El-Din, former Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt;
- H.E. Dr. Ahmed Darwish, former Minister of Administrative Development and Planning;
- H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Fawzy, former Minister of Industry;
- H.E. Ambassador Raouf Saad, former Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs;
- Mr. Mohamed El-Garhy, Secretary General of the Journalists’ Syndicate
About the Award
The Dr. Ali Elsamman Award for Peace and Dialogue was launched on 30 January 2024 by CCMUP, to honor Dr. Aly’s legacy, as well as to encourage and publicly recognize contemporary initiatives that promote interfaith and intercultural peace, dialogue, and coexistence in Egypt. The Award is organized by CCMUP, in partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Egypt and Misr El-Kheir Foundation, the latter which sponsors the award’s financial value.
The Jury Committee of the Award is composed of:
- Archbishop Dr. Sami Fawzy, Archbishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Province of Alexandria
- H.E. Dr. Ali Gomaa, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars of Al-Azhar, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Misr El-Kheir Foundation, and former Grand Mufti of Egypt.
- Bishop Dr. Mounir Anis, CCMUP Director and Archbishop Emeritus of the Episcopal/Anglican Province of Alexandria
- Mme. Brigitte Elsamman, wife of the late Dr. Ali Elsamman
- Engineer and businessman Magdy El-Taher
- Fr. Rafic Greiche, Priest of St. Cyril’s Greek Catholic Church
- Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Pisani, Director of the Dominican Institute for Oriental Studies (IDEO)
- H.E. Dr. Ahmed Darwish, former Minister of Administrative Development
- H.E. Dr. Ahmed Zaki Badr, former Minister of Education
- H.E. Dr. Mostafa El-Feki, former Ambassador and former Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Dr. Gihan Zaki, Professor of Egyptology and Researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) – Sorbonne University, and Member of the Egyptian Academy of Sciences
- Mr. Ali Elsamman, journalist and writer
- Mr. Suleiman Gouda, journalist and writer
About Dr. Ali Elsamman
Dr. Ali Elsamman was the President of the International Union for Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue and Peace Education (ADIC). In 1994, he organized the First Conference of Monotheistic Religions at the Sorbonne in Paris under the title “The Purpose of Dialogue Among the Three Monotheistic Religions and the Threats Facing It.” The conference concluded with the declaration “Never again separate the children of Abraham!”
He served as Vice President of Al-Azhar’s Permanent Committee for Interfaith Dialogue and as advisor to H.E. Sheikh Mohamed Sayed Tantawi, former Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. He also facilitated and signed historic dialogue agreements between Al-Azhar and the Vatican (1998), and between Al-Azhar and the Anglican Communion on 30 Jan 2002, hence the award ceremony’s date.
A prominent media commentator, Dr. Elsamman wrote extensively and appeared regularly in regional media as a prominent intellectual and an analyst on religious and social affairs in Egypt and the Middle East.
About the Centre of Christian-Muslim Understanding & Partnership (CCMUP)
Established in June 2022, CCMUP works to promote peacebuilding and cooperation among people of diverse faiths and cultural backgrounds. Its Board of Trustees includes distinguished religious leaders, former ministers, diplomats, thinkers, and scholars committed to dialogue, coexistence, and the common good:
CCMUP’s Board of Trustees:
- Archbishop Dr. Sami Fawzy, Archbishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Province of Alexandria (Chair of the Board of Trustees)
- H.E. Dr. Ziad Bahaa El-Din, former Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt
- H.E. Dr. Mostafa El-Feki, former Ambassador and former Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- H.E. Dr. Nazir Ayyad, Grand Mufti of Egypt
- H.E. Ambassador Raouf Saad, former Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Fr. Rafic Greiche, Priest of St. Cyril’s Greek Catholic Church
- Dr. Sameh Fawzy, writer and senior official at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- H.E. Counselor Adly Hussein, former Governor of Menoufia
- Dr. Girgis Saleh, former Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches
CCMUP’s Executive Committee:
- Bishop Dr. Mouneer Anis, CCMUP Director
- Rev. Dr. Matthew Anderson, Director of Academic Studies
- Rev. Samir Dawoud, Director of Community Initiatives
- Ms. Ayat Abd El-Aziz, Peace-building Project Coordinator
- Ms. Nermine Shenouda, Financial Director
- Mr. Kareem Gerges, Director of Communications & International Partnerships
CCMUP