26 & 27 February 2025
In partnership with the Egyptian Family House, Misr El-Kheir Foundation and the Embassy of Ireland in Cairo, the Centre of Christian-Muslim Understanding & Partnership (CCMUP) -affiliated to the Anglican Diocese of Egypt led by Archbishop Dr. Samy Fawzy- successfully organized a significant training conference on peace-building and conflict resolution for local communities in the Egyptian province of El Menya on February 26 and 27, 2025. This initiative is part of a long-term project aimed at empowering locals to foster tolerance, inclusive citizenship, and peaceful coexistence in their communities.
The attendees included: members of the newly established branch of the Egyptian Family House in El Menya, led by Bishop Filopatere; participants nominated from Misr El Kheir Foundation, led by Mr. Ibrahim Farag, Director of the Foundation’s office in El Menya; Sheikh Dr. Abu Zeid El Ami, coordinator of the Egyptian Family House; and CCMUP’s staff.
The training sessions covered crucial topics, including the study of Christian and Muslim scriptures and their teachings on peace-building. Additionally, participants examined the concept of inclusive citizenship as articulated in the Document on Human Fraternity, a historic joint declaration signed on February 4, 2019, by Pope Francis of the Catholic Church and Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. The document advocates for human compassion, solidarity, and a culture of mutual respect among different faiths.
Other key discussions during the training included an analysis of the root causes of conflicts, factors hindering conflict resolution, the consequences of unresolved disputes, and strategies for peaceful and just solutions. Sessions also addressed effective communication skills, the principles and practice of mediation, and approaches to achieving just, inclusive, and sustainable peace.
El-Menya has been challenged for decades by extremist ideologies and interfaith conflicts, exacerbated by high poverty rates and limited access to education. This initiative aims to equip local professionals and leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to actively engage in grassroots community efforts to promote sustainable peace.
Following the training, participants will collaborate with CCMUP and partners to implement peace-building initiatives within vulnerable villages in El Menya, as the team highlighted the importance of carrying-out prompt community initiatives to build genuine peace and mitigate any potential simmering conflicts. This project is a long-term joint effort with the Egyptian Family House and Misr El-Kheir Foundation, reinforcing a shared commitment to fostering harmony and cooperation within Egyptian society.
About our partners:
The Egyptian Family House is a public body that was establish in 2011 by a prime ministerial decree, composed of the leaders and scholars of Egypt’s main religious communities, including the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Its mission is to promote interfaith peace in Egypt.
Misr El-Kheir Foundation is one of Egypt’s biggest and most renowned charities and development organizations. It carries out major projects in education, health, employment and humanitarian assistance.
