Story by Margaret Matibiri
THE Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, is in Rome for the second edition of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Interfaith Dialogue, which runs from June 19 to June 21.
The high-level conference, jointly convened by the IPU and the Italian Parliament in partnership with Religions for Peace, is being held under the theme, “Strengthening trust and embracing hope for our common future.”
This follows the inaugural edition of the Interfaith Dialogue held in Marrakech, Morocco, in 2023, which led to the adoption of the Marrakesh Communiqué, a landmark declaration affirming the role of interfaith cooperation in fostering peaceful coexistence, the rule of law, and inclusive development.
The Rome dialogue brings together Speakers of Parliament, Members of Parliament, religious and belief leaders, government officials, United Nations agencies, international organisations, faith-based institutions, civil society actors, and academics in a united call for peace and mutual understanding.
The conference will reflect on the Marrakesh Communiqué while building on previous IPU declarations and commitments to promote joint action on peace, inclusivity, human rights, and the rule of law, free from discrimination or exclusion.
Speaker Mudenda is accompanied by Senator Chief Nechombo, Honourable Farai Jere, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Honourable Maureen Kademaunga, member of the IPU Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Honourable Chairperson of the Thematic Committee on Culture and Heritage.
The delegation was received upon arrival at Rome International Airport by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Italy, Her Excellency Mrs Mietani Chauke, and officials from the Zimbabwean Embassy.
In line with Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and belief, Speaker Mudenda is expected to highlight Zimbabwe’s strides in promoting religious diversity and fostering interfaith dialogue through inclusive public policy.
On June 21, delegates will meet with the newly ordained leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV.
