Religions for Peace and the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace Sign MOU for 11th World Assembly, Slated for 2027
July 7, 2026Religions for Peace and the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace signed an eagerly anticipated Memorandum of Understanding for the organization of the 11th World Assembly for Religions for Peace.
“The signing of this MOU is a significant step toward the organization of the 11th World Assembly,” said Dr. Francis Kuria, Secretary General of Religions for Peace. “We look forward to working closely with our brothers and sisters of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace in organizing this important event.”
“To host the World Assembly – it’s an honor,” said His Excellency Sheikh Al Mahfoudh Bin Bayyah, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace. “We’re all united around one thing — peace. Nothing should make you hate others. Distance yourself from hatred, work for peace, feed people, listen to them — that is the journey of Religions for Peace.
“I’m proud and happy to announce that we are very lucky to host the World Assembly.”
Planning for the Assembly will now intensify as it is expected to take place in 2027 in Abu Dhabi. The organizations signed the agreement to the broad applause of delegates to the 2026 International Council Meeting of Religions for Peace.
The World Assembly is not merely a large meeting — bringing together more than 1,000 religious leaders from around the world — but an intense, legally binding moment of action, Dr. Kuria said. Delegates to the event are responsible for electing global leadership, enacting governance reforms, and adapting the organization’s standing rules to the modern era—specifically regarding the ethical challenges and opportunities of the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“We are committed to making a difference — because of the time and the place: The time is the time for AI, the place is Abu Dhabi,” Sheikh Bin Bayyah said. “This assembly is going to be one of the best, and it’s going to be a paradigm shift.”