Hafiz Ihtsham Ahmad Moman, Missionary, Brazil
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, organised a Peace Symposium on 28 November 2024 at the parliament of Rio de Janeiro that gathered participants from various sectors of society, including religious leaders, government representatives, academics and members of civil society, to promote harmony, interfaith dialogue and the protection of religious freedom. The symposium featured notable contributions from three state deputies alongside representatives from other parliamentary members. Their presence underscored the legislative commitment to fostering interreligious dialogue and promoting peace.
President of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Brazil, Wasim Ahmad Zafar Sahib, delivered a speech emphasising the peaceful and tolerant teachings of Islam and highlighting the ongoing efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in promoting peace and harmonious coexistence. Another notable moment of the symposium was the speech by the rector of the Catholic University in Rio de Janeiro, ranked as Brazil’s top private university. He commended the event’s impeccable organisation. As a gesture of appreciation, he presented my humble self with a book by Pope Francis. In my speech, I highlighted the urgency of promoting peace in the face of an impending global crisis.
Another highlight was the presence of the coordinator of the Cultural Committee within the Ministry of Culture, who is an anthropologist, writer and professor. She delivered a talk on the culture of peace. Representatives from the Civil Police, Military Police, Municipal Guard, and the State Commission for the Promotion of Religious Freedom were present as well. The event honoured key figures in promoting peace and religious diversity in Rio de Janeiro. The Parliament’s TV channel documented the event, including an exclusive interview with my humble self, which is now available on YouTube. The programme also received extensive coverage from various news outlets, which highlighted the importance of the initiative and the efforts to promote peace and interfaith dialogue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.