Amman, Jordan 23 March 2025 — On Thursday, 20 March, the Swedish Dialogue Institute for the Middle East and North Africa (SDI) hosted a captivating Ramadan Iftar and panel discussion at the Director’s Residence in Amman, bringing together prominent religious, academic and civil society leaders to discuss the vital role of faith in advancing peace and development.

The insights shared during the discussion were both profound and diverse, offering various perspectives on how faith can serve as a bridge for promoting understanding and cooperation among communities. The panelists emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue and inclusivity to address current and emerging issues related to peace and development.

The discussion was moderated by H.E. Ann Måwe, the Director of SDI, who opened the dialogue by asking, “What does religion mean to you?” The conversation then delved into practical and actionable ways in which faith can contribute to peacebuilding and social cohesion in societies facing complex challenges.

The distinguished speakers included (in no particular order) Dr. Amer Al Hafi, Professor of Theology at Al al-Bayt University; Dr. Anna Hjälm, Director of the Swedish Theological Institute; Dr. Renée Hattar, Director of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies (RIIFS); Eng. Marwan Al Faouri, Secretary-General of the Global Forum for Moderation; and Dr. Amer Bani Amer, Founder and Director of Hayat Centre – Rased.

The discussion was moderated by Ann Måwe, the Director of SDI, who opened the dialogue by asking, “What does religion mean to you?” The conversation then delved into practical and actionable ways in which faith can contribute to peacebuilding and social cohesion in societies facing complex challenges.

Commenting on the event, Ann Måwe stated, “The Iftar Panel discussion highlights the importance of engaging faith communities in conversations about peacebuilding and development. By encouraging open dialogue and cooperation, we can contribute to building more cohesive and resilient societies.”

The event reflects SDI’s ongoing commitment to promoting dialogue and mutual understanding between the MENA region and Europe, through inclusive and constructive discussions.