Dear excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you to Malta for the great hospitality and for organizing this conference. We welcome the focus that you have placed on the fight against intolerance and discrimination.

Thank you also to all participants for their interesting and enriching contributions.

In our increasingly diverse and interconnected world, it is crucial to recognize the role of dialogue in building trust and fostering understanding across communities. Moreover, we must acknowledge the significance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue in addressing forms of intolerance and discrimination, including the pressing issue of anti-Semitism.

In order to foster interfaith and intercultural dialogue, it is essential that governments play an active role. Governments should promote common messages about dialogue in the media and organize national and international events centered around interfaith harmony. The publication of studies and research books can also contribute to the advancement of dialogue.

Religious institutions, too, have a crucial role to play in strengthening interfaith dialogue. They can establish joint interfaith councils to facilitate dialogue and cooperation among different religious communities. Through common events and activities, these institutions can foster understanding and build bridges of trust. Moreover, it is not only theological schools but also public and private academic institutions that should include interfaith dialogue in their educational curriculum. By doing so, we can ensure that future generations are equipped with the tools to engage in meaningful dialogue and promote tolerance and understanding. Additionally, organizing academic conferences focused on interfaith dialogue can further develop this field of research.

Governments, religious institutions, and academic institutions must work hand in hand to support dialogue development, educate the youth, empower women, and engage religious leaders. We should embrace dialogue as a powerful tool to address intolerance and discrimination, including the troubling issue of anti-Semitism.

I’d also like to highlight an instance of successful religious harmony, such as that in Albania, which we take great pride in.

Over the course of more than a century, Albania has achieved remarkable progress in promoting coexistence among its religious communities.

This climate of harmony and peaceful coexistence caught the attention of Pope Francis, who chose Albania for his first European visit in 2014. From Tirana, he delivered a powerful message to the world, emphasizing that peaceful and fruitful coexistence between people and communities with different religious affiliations is not only desired but also possible and real.

The Albanian model of religious coexistence holds tremendous value for us today. In a world plagued by conflicts, wars, and divisions, where religion is often politicized for non-divine purposes, we must look to positive examples of interfaith dialogue to guide us. We believe that it is possible to alleviate problems and extinguish conflicts by offering coexistence with everyone, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or color. Now, more than ever, the world needs peace and dialogue to overcome the challenges we face.

Together, we can create a world where coexistence, respect, and understanding prevail.

I would also like to share with you that the Government of Albania in collaboration with Albanian American Development Foundation (AADF) and the Ministry of Culture of Albania, along with the dedicated involvement of the local Jewish community have started the Albanian Jewish Museum project.

Situated in Vlora, the third largest city in Albania and historically significant as the home of the largest Jewish community in the country, the upcoming Jewish museum holds immense cultural importance. It will serve as a poignant memorial to the deep-rooted connections between Albanians and Jews throughout history.

As the project progresses, it not only underscores Albania’s commitment to preserving its diverse cultural legacy but also reinforces the importance of interfaith dialogue and understanding in today’s world. Through this collaborative effort, the Albanian Jewish Museum will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of tolerance, education, and remembrance for generations to come.

Thank you.