Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, prefect for the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, noted that humanity is facing many challenges, especially related to violence and wars. “This is a very particular moment, and we as religious leaders have the responsibility to work together,” he said, “especially in Europe to spread the message and give hope to all, especially for our younger generation.” Dr Stefano Davide Bettera, president of the European Buddhist Union, said that fraternity is not only a concept but a choice as well. “Building fraternity means building a real and concrete dialogue not only among the several religions but also among the people because we have to create a new community of friendship, of fraternity and dialogue that is able to ensure peace and democratic living in the society,” he said. “Dialogue is fundamental because it's the only way that allows us to know each other better, to deepen our not only our faith but also to understand other people, to understand other points of view, other beliefs, and to create a a sort of platform where everybody can recognize something that is common to everyone.” Dr Mehool Sanghrajka, managing trustee of the Institution of Jainiology in London, agreed that, today, many divisions exist within Europe. “There is the refugee crisis,” he said. “There is the disconnection due to rightwing nationalism. There's war. What fraternity is, is an understanding that other people should coexist with us. Even if they have points of view that we don't agree with, we should find a way to accommodate that and accept that they might have a different point of view.” Swami Rameshwarananda Giri, senior advisor on interfaith dialogue and relations with administrations for the Federation of Hindus in Spain, said that religions need to be together to think about challenges. “For example, the AI we will face in the present and in the future for the new generations,” he said. “To be together and in fellowship gives us the opportunity to approach others, to know beyond the prejudices and have the opportunity to work together on the same goal.” Ranjit G Singh, director of public affairs for the Representative Council of Sikhs in France, underscored the importance of different religions coming together. “The biggest challenge for the religious communities in Europe, is that today we are in a society where digital communication, AI, fake information, and misinformation put people against each other,” he said. “This is a huge challenge that we have as religious leaders—to be able to go forward and be able to emphasize the diversity without giving the feeling we are trying to erase any diversity in the European society.” Watch the video interviews News release: Conference explores “Building Fraternity through Dialogue and Collaboration” | 
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