Dignity is a search for human solidarity — Prince Hassan

AMMAN — HRH Prince Hassan, chairperson of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies’ board of trustees, on Monday attended the opening of the 37th Annual Conference of Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies. 

Titled “From United Nations to United People: From the Brink of Disaster to a Future of Dignity”, the Amman-held hybrid conference is co-organised by the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies (RIIFS) and the World Dignity University initiative. The event witnessed the participation of local and international intellectuals and academics in addition to Muslim and Christian clerics.   

Opening his speech with the words “How can human dignity become a guiding framework for policies?”, Prince Hassan noted that human dignity can serve as a tool for joint action to raise awareness and promote the fundamental values that form the core of humanity, notably compassion, respect and participation, in a world with increasing challenges and turmoil.

“Dignity is the search for human solidarity that respects diversity and plurality, instead of polarity and hatred,” Prince Hassan said, calling to empower humankind and approach the concept of development through societal activation and empowerment.

The prince noted that the time has come to talk about the stability of the region’s populace, highlighting the need for a new vision based on integration and achieving harmony between humanity and the natural environment, including food, energy, and water security.

Renee Hattar, RIIFS Director, said that the institute is focused on instilling common human values and ethics, which helps strengthen cooperation and advance relations among the followers of different religions, easing misconceptions about the “other” and promoting peaceful coexistence.

Evelin Lindner, co-founder of the World Dignity University Initiative, said that the initiative, created in 2001, is dedicated to those who wish to open space for increased dignity, inviting workers in the educational field around the world to participate in the initiative.

The agenda of the three-day conference includes various topics related to the prevention of all forms of violence and efforts to promote human dignity.