Indonesian President Joko Widodo has inaugurated the work of the R20 summit, the Group of 20’s first-ever religion forum, ahead of the upcoming G20 summit in Bali. The forum is organized by Indonesia’s biggest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama and the Muslim World League (MWL).
As a part of a series of events initiated under Indonesia’s presidency of the G20, the R20 forum is themed: “Revealing and Nurturing Religion as a Source of Global Solutions.”
The world’s most prominent and influential religious leaders are attending the forum.
MWL Secretary-General Mohammed Al-Issa had announced the launching of a global initiative within the framework of the G20 summit.
It is the “R20” platform, which was established by the MWL and Nahdlatul Ulama, and adopted by the G20 presidency this year. The initiative is set to become the 1st interfaith communication group in the history of the leaders of the world's most powerful economies.
Widodo, who inaugurated the forum, welcomed Al-Issa.
Calling Indonesia a “diverse” country, Widodo said: “Even though Indonesia is extremely diverse, it is united by the ideology of Pancasila and the national motto of “Unity in Diversity.”"
“Religious leaders struggled to secure Indonesia’s independence and continue to ensure the nation’s success. Cooperation between the followers of different faiths remains the pride of Indonesia,” he added.
Al-Issa stressed that the clash of civilizations, whether old or new, may appear to be rooted in religions and their teachings, but in truth, it is caused by the actions of some of their followers. He asserted that Islam outright rejects conflict and the clash of civilizations.
Al-Issa also announced in his opening speech the launching of the Building Bridges Between the East and West initiative under the R20 forum’s platform.
“I am pleased to launch the initiative of Building Bridges Between the East and West for a better world understanding, peace, and mutually accepting societies,” the MWL chief said.
