Religious and moral education can prevent intolerance and promote peaceful and inclusive societies, speakers said in a conference in Dhaka. The speakers made this observation while speaking at the concluding session of a two-day conference titled “Education towards Peaceful and Inclusive societies: The Role of Religion.” Visiting speaker United Nations under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Adama Dieng called for better collaboration of all sectors for building a peaceful and inclusive society, and preventing atrocities.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s rich tradition, he said, “Religious education in Bangladesh can contribute to the advancement of peace and respect for diversity nationally and internationally.”

Also present, Education Minister Dipu Moni said education has a big role to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (MDGs) by creating an inclusive society ensuring gender equality and human rights for all.

She urged all to handle the issue of growing Islamophobia across the globe carefully.

The United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) jointly organised the conference in partnership with the Save and Serve Foundation.

UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Mia Seppo, citing the shooting incidents at two mosques in Christchurch of New Zealand, said, “Religious education can stop such disbelieves on any religion and uphold pluralism in society.”

 The conference brought together national experts and practitioners in the field of education, and different religious groups to discuss about an alternative curriculum for religious education that would foster peace and inclusiviness.

Among others, Syed Tayabul Bashar, chairman of Save & Serve Foundation, Shamim Afzal, DG of Islamic Foundation, Beatrice Kaldun, head and representative of

 UNESCO, Professor Atique Islam, VC of North South University, also spoke on the occasion.