A seasoned diplomat who has represented the UAE across Asia and beyond, Dr. Al-Ghaith now leads a global initiative born of the historic Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity, signed by His Eminence Grand Imam Al-Azhar and His Holiness Pope Francis. Under his leadership, the HCHF has grown into a platform that unites policymakers, academics, faith leaders, and civil society in a common mission: to turn dialogue into action and transform principles into programs that change lives on the ground. From ethics education and research collaborations to agricultural initiatives that foster cooperation across communities, Dr. Al-Ghaith champions a future where bridges replace barriers and where humanity’s shared values become the foundation of peace.
AM: How do you define the Committee’s core mission, and what does “human fraternity” mean to you personally?
Dr. Khalid Ghanim Al-Ghaith: The Committee’s mission is to translate the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity into tangible action that fosters coexistence, mutual respect, and peace worldwide. For me, “human fraternity” is both a moral compass and a human imperative. It is about seeing every person as equally worthy of dignity and opportunity, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or nationality. It calls us to build bridges of trust, resolve differences peacefully, and forge partnerships that transcend borders.
AM: The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity was established following the historic Abu Dhabi Document signed by His Eminence Grand Imam Al-Azhar and His Holiness Pope Francis. How do you see this document shaping interfaith dialogue and coexistence in today’s polarized world?
Dr. Khalid Ghanim Al-Ghaith: The Document is a moral milestone, offering a shared language for people of faith and goodwill to confront the challenges of division and polarization. It moves us beyond tolerance toward genuine solidarity, calling on humanity to work together for the common good. In a world often defined by mistrust and fragmentation, it provides a blueprint for healing, reconciliation, and collective action.
AM: Since its inception in 2019, what would you highlight as the Committee’s most significant achievements in promoting peace, dialogue, and mutual respect across communities worldwide?
Dr. Khalid Ghanim Al-Ghaith: There are many significant achievements we could highlight, such as creating partnerships, advancing educational programs, and developing research collaborations. However, what is most important is that each of these achievements is a building block, helping us reach more people, build trust, and form alliances. By focusing on long-term investments such as ethics education and academic initiatives, we are laying the foundation for sustainable impact and bringing the world closer to true human fraternity among all people.
AM: You have represented the UAE in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and Brunei. How have these experiences influenced your approach to leading a global initiative such as the HCHF?
Dr. Khalid Ghanim Al-Ghaith: These experiences reinforced the truth that human connection transcends culture, language, and geography. Each posting taught me that meaningful engagement must be rooted in respect and listening. At HCHF, I draw on these lessons to ensure that our initiatives are inclusive, context-sensitive, and capable of inspiring trust and collaboration across communities.
AM: One of the Committee’s aims is to foster cooperation and solidarity beyond religious and cultural boundaries. Could you share examples of specific programs, partnerships, or initiatives that have successfully embodied this vision?
Dr. Khalid Ghanim Al-Ghaith: The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity continues to engage with people of all faiths, but more importantly, it focuses on the human dimension of it all. A strong example of this commitment is our partnership with the International Islamic University of Indonesia, where we established the Institute for Human Fraternity. This institute is open to people of all faiths and is dedicated to scientific research and programs that advance the cause of human fraternity across the globe. Through such initiatives, we are shaping thought leadership, encouraging scholarship, and ensuring that human fraternity becomes a subject of serious academic inquiry and practical application.
Dr. Khalid Ghanim Al-Ghaith: Our focus is on long-term investments that create sustainable change. One of our key efforts has been developing ethics education programs in collaboration with international and local partners. These programs have been implemented in six different countries, opening the horizons of students to the values of coexistence and giving them the tools to promote human fraternity in their own communities. We are also working on developing a program to bring together farmers across Africa, providing them with training and grains to improve their yield. This initiative not only strengthens food security and economic activity but also encourages cooperation between different ethnic and religious groups, turning agriculture into a shared platform for coexistence and community resilience.
AM: With the UAE positioning itself as a hub for tolerance and cultural diplomacy, how does the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity contribute to the country’s broader global vision?
Dr. Khalid Ghanim Al-Ghaith: The HCHF is an international organization based in Abu Dhabi. The UAE has indeed done a great deal to promote coexistence and human fraternity and is arguably one of the key countries in the world leading on this matter. Being headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the HCHF continues to be inspired by the UAE’s initiatives. At the same time, we remain firmly international in our approach, working closely with governments, institutions, and communities around the world to advance shared values of humanity, coexistence, and peace.
AM: As the world continues to face challenges such as extremism, displacement, and rising intolerance, what role do you believe the HCHF can play in shaping a more inclusive and harmonious future?
Dr. Khalid Ghanim Al-Ghaith: We serve as a catalyst for bringing together those who might not otherwise meet, including religious leaders, policymakers, academics, civil society, and the private sector. Our role is to inspire hope, set examples of cooperation, and encourage collective action that addresses root causes of division. By uniting diverse voices, we create shared solutions that make inclusion a reality.
AM: Your leadership emphasizes cooperation as the foundation of peace. What message would you like to share with younger generations who aspire to build bridges rather than walls?
Dr. Khalid Ghanim Al-Ghaith: My message to young people is simple. You are the authors of the next chapter of our shared humanity. Choose empathy over indifference, curiosity over fear, and dialogue over division. Use your creativity and your platforms, both digital and physical, to bring people together. The future belongs to those who dare to imagine a more connected and compassionate world.
AM: Looking ahead, what are the Committee’s key priorities for the coming years, and how can individuals, institutions, and governments contribute to advancing the cause of human fraternity?
Dr. Khalid Ghanim Al-Ghaith: Our priorities are to expand our global network, deepen our educational and research initiatives, and support more projects that deliver real, lasting impact in communities. We are also committed to engaging young leaders and harnessing technology as a force for unity. Individuals can live the values of fraternity in their daily interactions, institutions can champion inclusive policies, and governments can embed coexistence into their national and international agendas.