URI-Africa and African Association for Indigenous Spirituality forge a partnership to work together to safeguard indigenous spirituality & cultural heritage in Africa
The United Religions Initiative (URI)– Africa and African Association for Indigenous Spirituality (AAFIS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together in partnership to safeguard the indigenous spirituality and cultural heritage in Africa.
The partnership, formalized through an MoU, aims to enhance joint efforts by the two organizations to:-
• Promote right human relationship, peaceful coexistence, human dignity and mutual respect among followers of different religions and indigenous spiritual tradition
• Protect the right of indigenous people including their beliefs, rituals and culture
• Preserve ancient sacred, cultural and historical heritage sites
• Promote constructive dialogue, healing, forgiveness, reconciliation and compassion
• Work in collaboration in the preservation the environment and address the issue of climate change in Africa
• Promote interfaith harmony and Freedom of Religion or Belief through the teaching of the Golden Rule and Ubuntu
• Actively work with other relevant stakeholders to prevent violence and curb the problem of hate speech, violence, xenophobia and discrimination
• work together in partnership with the African Union and other stakeholders in the implementation of Agenda 2063 and SDGs
On the occasion of the signing of the MoU ceremony, Amb. Mussie Hailu said
“This MoU will help to advance the working partnership between the two organizations to promote Freedom of Religion or Belief and protect the right of indigenous people, including their beliefs, rituals, and culture”.
He further said, “ Religious, spiritual and traditional leaders are well placed to bring their moral and spiritual voice to be a healing force and to preserve ancient sacred, cultural and historical heritage sites.
URI strongly advocates and promotes the right of Indigenous peoples to manifest, practice, develop, and teach their spiritual and religious traditions, customs, and ceremonies, and protect their religious and cultural sites.
URI also believes that indigenous people's knowledge, cultures, and traditional practices contribute to sustainable and equitable development and proper management of the environment.
URI welcome and support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and international treaties which promote the protection of sacred natural sites, including the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of Diversity of Cultural Expressions"
On his part Imboni Dr. uZwi-Lezwe Radebe said “Through this MoU, we are poised to unite and establish a strong working relationship with URI-Africa, with the goal of achieving a common vision that resonates not only within Africa but extends to the global stage.
Together, we are taking vital steps to reinforce the bonds that unite us, creating an inviting and inclusive environment that celebrates our diversity.
This partnership represents a significant milestone in our journey toward a brighter, united future for all people of African descent. We stand at the threshold of a transformative era, one that recognizes and uplifts our shared heritage and collective spiritual journeys.
Let us embark on this path together, hand in hand, toward a more harmonious and inclusive world”.
MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH
