UAE Humanitarian Leader Joins Global Call for Peace as International Spiritual Council Urges Dialogue Over Conflict
Dubai, July 4: Home to more than 200 nationalities living and working together in harmony, the UAE has long stood as a global example of peaceful coexistence, dialogue and mutual respect. Built on the principles of tolerance and cultural understanding, the nation continues to champion initiatives that promote stability, humanitarian values and constructive engagement at a time when conflicts and divisions are affecting communities across the world.
Reflecting these values, Sajeda Shawa, Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the UAE, has joined a growing chorus of international leaders, parliamentarians, faith representatives and humanitarian voices calling for greater dialogue and renewed efforts towards peace amid escalating global tensions.
Speaking as part of a global appeal coordinated by the International Spiritual Council for Transforming Humanity (ISCTH), Shawa emphasised the importance of placing people at the centre of decision-making during a period marked by armed conflicts, geopolitical rivalries and deepening divisions across regions.
“I hope leaders choose dialogue over division, compassion over indifference, and place human dignity at the heart of every decision,” she said.
The appeal comes at a time when conflicts in various parts of the world continue to exact a heavy humanitarian toll, displacing millions of people and placing increasing pressure on international relief efforts.
Founded with the vision of making peace a lived reality rather than merely an aspiration, the International Spiritual Council for Transforming Humanity (ISCTH) has brought together voices from political, humanitarian and spiritual spheres to advocate peaceful solutions to ongoing global challenges.
Among those supporting the initiative is Dr H.C. Nik Gugger, Member of the Swiss Parliament, who cautioned against the further escalation of global tensions.
“The world is on fire. World leaders must choose dialogue over escalation and nonviolence over retaliation. Dialogue is not weakness. It is the only path forward,” he said.
Ján Figeľ, President of FOREF Europe and former European Union Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or Belief outside the EU, highlighted the critical role of human rights in building lasting stability.
“Respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of every human being is the surest path to lasting peace,” he said.
Religious leaders echoed similar sentiments. His Holiness the Dalai Lama reiterated his long-standing belief that sustainable peace begins within individuals and extends outward to societies and nations.
“Peace begins within each individual. Lasting peace cannot be achieved through force, but through compassion,” he said.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, called for stronger advocacy for peace and greater attention to vulnerable communities affected by conflict.
“There is a need for more voices for peace, more voices against the madness of the arms race, more voices raised in favor of our poorest brothers and sisters,” he said.
The appeal also referenced recent remarks by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who called for compromises aimed at achieving durable and long-term peace agreements.
At the centre of the initiative is Maitreya Dadashreeji, spiritual leader and founder of ISCTH, who warned of the far-reaching consequences of prolonged conflicts on humanity, social cohesion and the environment.
He urged nations to embrace dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful settlement of disputes, particularly in regions that hold significant geopolitical influence and impact millions of lives.
In his message, Maitreya Dadashreeji specifically appealed for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stressing that cooperation and diplomatic engagement offer a more sustainable path than continued confrontation.
The International Spiritual Council for Transforming Humanity said the appeal seeks to encourage policymakers, institutions and citizens worldwide to prioritise human life, dignity and long-term global stability over conflict and division.
As humanitarian crises continue to unfold across multiple regions, the organisation noted that the choices made by world leaders today will shape the future of generations to come, making the pursuit of peace and dialogue more urgent than ever.
About ISCTH:
ISCTH is a global foundation and neutral platform uniting diverse individuals and organizations to manifest permanent global peace.