Latest news with #NorthAfrica
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Transactional diplomacy versus the international order
Cross-border conflicts lead not only to deaths, injuries and other casualties, but can also have long-lasting economic impacts sparking domestic unrest. The key to preventing both outcomes is what type of diplomacy countries pursue and over what timeframe. Transactional diplomacy prioritizes achieving 'deals' over adherence to 'rules-based' approaches grounded in international principles and humanitarian values. The term gained prominence during Donald Trump's first presidential term and has continued into his current term. This form of diplomacy is gaining ground, including within the EU, contributing to the rise of populism, xenophobia and nationalism at the domestic level and increasing the prospect for regional and global conflicts. Transactional diplomacy can be shortsighted. This can be seen by comparing the chaotic impact on global trade of the 'reciprocal tariffs' announced by Trump in April with the gradual, yet consistent, progress made by the World Trade Organization since its inception in 1995, which has advanced globalization through multilateral negotiations. The consequences of the increasingly fluid international order are especially evident in the Middle East and North Africa region. In addition to the effects of regional instability, the majority of Arab countries are facing economic stagnation and increasing poverty. According to a report published by the World Bank last month, the poverty rate in MENA has more than doubled to an estimated 9.4 percent this year, compared to only 4 percent in 2010. In the past year alone, an additional 11 million people have fallen below the poverty line. The rise in poverty in MENA cannot be explained by global crises, such as the 2008 financial meltdown, the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 war in Ukraine. These crises have also affected the rest of the world, but the current global poverty rate of 9.9 percent is less than half the 21 percent recorded in 2010. And the typically disruptive energy price fluctuations tend to have a neutral impact on the MENA region as a whole, which comprises both energy-exporting and energy-importing countries. The consequences of the increasingly fluid international order are especially evident in the Middle East Dr. Zafiris Tzannatos An obvious culprit in the region is prolonged conflict and fragility. In this context, Arab nations may ask themselves what kind of diplomacy can halt and reverse their economic and humanitarian descent. Should they adopt a transactional approach or one grounded in principles, or some balance between the two? The question is timely, following Israel's airstrikes on Iran last month. The strikes, considered to be 'preemptive' by Israel, are based on 30-year-old statements (also repeated at the UN more recently) by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, then an MP, that Iran could fulfill its nuclear ambitions in 'a matter of months, or even weeks' without an external intervention. Yet, despite decades of warnings that Iran is on the brink of developing nuclear weapons, no credible evidence supports this claim. As recently as March, US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard testified before the Senate that Iran was not actively pursuing a nuclear bomb. The International Atomic Energy Agency backed this assessment in May, reporting no indication of an undeclared weapons program, a view later repeated by Director General Rafael Grossi. Nevertheless, Israel's strikes have been endorsed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who stated that Israel is doing 'the dirty work for all of us' in Iran. His assessment was in line with those of the representatives of the G7 countries that met in Canada when the strikes started. Soon after, the US conducted additional strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, though a ceasefire was reached two days later, with hopes that it will hold permanently. Proxy wars may serve the interests of powerful nations, but the people caught in their crossfire pay the ultimate price. The Iran-Iraq War of 1980 to 1988 is a case in point. The war devastated both countries. Then Iraq fell out of favor and, in 2003, a US-led coalition, loudly seconded by the UK, invaded it, citing the presence of nonexistent nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. Wars exert consequences beyond the warring parties and military targets, often impacting neighboring countries even if they are not involved. The economic effects of the war in Gaza illustrate this clearly. Though both Egypt (in 1979) and Jordan (in 1994) signed peace treaties with Israel, their economies have been adversely affected by lower tourism revenues, higher energy insecurity, increased transport costs and slower economic growth. Following the recent strikes in Iran, both Egypt and Jordan, among others, immediately experienced a surge in tourism cancellations, with increases in fiscal deficits, public debt and unemployment likely to pose significant risks to their macroeconomic stability and social conditions if uncertainty continues and conflict resumes. These economic risks are not confined to MENA. A prolonged conflict could rattle global markets, spiking shipping costs, energy prices, inflation and interest rates, and unsettling financial systems. Stock volatility, investor flight and exchange rate pressures may follow, undermining global economic stability. Wars exert consequences beyond the warring parties and military targets, often impacting neighboring countries Dr. Zafiris Tzannatos Yet some Western leaders still see war as an economic stimulus. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently told Parliament that increased defense spending would 'restore growth,' citing NATO commitments to the Ukraine war. While defense industries may benefit under such transactional thinking, the toll of wars on human lives, livelihoods and long-term economic growth outweighs their short-term gains. Israel's diplomacy, exemplified by the normalization of relations through the Abraham Accords with the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan in 2020, can be characterized as transactional in nature. Yet, a lesson can be learned from the alignment of such diplomacy with Israel's long-term objectives to consolidate control over and eventually annex the Occupied Territories. Arab states might take a similar approach, not by abandoning principles but by strategically aligning short-term deals with the long-term goal of peace and prosperity in their countries. A transactional approach coupled with economic cooperation can de-escalate tensions as long as it adheres to principles. For example, Saudi Arabia has refrained from joining the Abraham Accords, maintaining that normalization with Israel must be contingent on a credible and irreversible path toward the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state along the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the two-state solution. In conclusion, the Arab countries are once again at a crossroads. In addition to the loss of lives, renewed conflict risks deepening their economic woes. In its ongoing stabilization program in a Middle East country, the International Monetary Fund flagged 'widespread domestic protests and violence' driven by poverty and unemployment as a 'high risk' factor that could jeopardize the success of the program. Arab states should unite and develop a nuanced strategy that blends pragmatic deal-making with a principled vision for peace and sustainable prosperity. The stakes are not just regional. The world, too, may pay the price of inaction and miscalculation.
Zawya
6 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
APO Group Wins Gold at 2025 SABRE Awards for Canon Central and North Africa Campaign, Secures Five Finalist Placements
APO Group ( the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, has been recognised with top honours at the prestigious 2025 SABRE Awards Africa, winning gold for its pioneering World Unseen Experience at GITEX Africa campaign with Canon Central and North Africa. The campaign showcased Canon's innovative efforts to make photography accessible to people with visual impairments through tactile imagery, transforming the way art and visual storytelling are experienced. APO Group was also shortlisted as a finalist in five other categories, reinforcing its position as the communications partner of choice for some of the continent's most impactful and purpose-led organisations. The finalist placements include campaigns for: GITEX Africa 2024, Africa's largest tech and startup show; Africa's Business Heroes 2023, a flagship philanthropic programme in Africa to support entrepreneurs; The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI); and Canon Central and North Africa's 10 Years of Miraisha: A Decade of Empowerment campaign 'We are incredibly proud to see the impact of our clients' campaigns being recognised at such a high level. Winning gold for Canon's World Unseen is particularly meaningful as it demonstrates how communications can drive accessibility and inclusivity. Additionally, our finalist placements across such diverse categories reflect the strength, creativity, and dedication of our team, and our commitment to sharing Africa's positive narratives,' said Bas Wijne, Chief Executive Officer at APO Group. The SABRE Awards are globally recognised for celebrating superior achievement in branding, reputation, and engagement. The World Unseen campaign's success at the SABRE Awards Africa 2025 follows its earlier win this year at the 2025 Davos Communications Awards, where APO Group secured gold and bronze for its innovative approach to inclusive brand experiences. Read more about the Davos wins here ( 'These accolades are a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in everything we do. It is an honour to partner with clients who trust us to tell Africa's most compelling stories with authenticity, impact, and purpose,' added Rania El-Rafie, APO Group's Vice President: Public Relations&Strategic Communications. This latest industry recognition further cements APO Group's position as the continent's only 360-degree public relations and strategic communications consultancy, with its own proprietary press release distribution service, Africa Newsroom ( Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group. Media contact: marie@ About APO Group: Founded in 2007, APO Group ( is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally. Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards. APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.
Arab News
17 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
New partnership empowers businesses with flexible payment solutions
Amazon Payment Services, a regional leader in digital payments across the Middle East and North Africa, has added Tamara, a leading 'buy now, pay later' provider in the GCC, to its expanding suite of flexible payment options. As a new split payments partner, Tamara enables businesses in Saudi Arabia and the UAE to offer seamless, flexible payment experiences to their customers. The partnership comes at a time when consumers are increasingly seeking payment methods that deliver both flexibility and transparency. With BNPL demand on the rise across the region, Tamara's inclusion in the Amazon Payment Services portfolio is a timely move to meet these growing consumer expectations and enhance the overall customer journey. With BNPL adoption accelerating, industries such as airlines, e-commerce, healthcare, insurance, education, fashion, and lifestyle stand to benefit from Tamara's Shariah-compliant flexible payment solutions. With Tamara, customers can split their payments into four equal installments — a feature designed to boost sales, reduce cart abandonment, and enhance customer satisfaction. Merchants, in turn, will benefit from larger basket sizes, improved conversion rates, and an enhanced shopping experience for their customers. Peter George, managing director of Amazon Payment Services MENA, said: 'As more consumers across the region look for affordable ways to manage their purchases, BNPL solutions are becoming more and more indispensable for merchants. Partnering up with Tamara, a leading split payments provider, was a natural next step in our commitment to empowering diverse businesses as they navigate today's digital payments space. With this expansion of our offering, we are thrilled to unlock new revenue streams for businesses, help them deliver more value to their customers, and ultimately grow their online business.' Sami Louali, EVP and chief revenue officer at Tamara, added: 'At Tamara, we're focused on creating a payment experience that benefits both businesses and consumers. Partnering with Amazon Payment Services allows us to expand our reach across the UAE and Saudi Arabia — supporting business growth and delivering a hassle-free, flexible payment solution for consumers. This partnership marks an exciting milestone in our mission to meet the changing needs of merchants and their customers while driving loyalty and sales.' Amazon Payment Services already offers a range of BNPL services and credit card installment options in partnership with more than 25 banks across the Kingdom, UAE, Egypt, and Jordan, allowing customers to split payments over terms of up to 36 months. With Tamara's inclusion, Amazon Payment Services can now cater to a wider audience, including customers who prefer to use either debit or credit cards. This partnership ensures that merchants in the Kingdom and UAE have the tools they need to offer a seamless, flexible payment experience to their customers. With a single integration, businesses gain access to a wide range of payment options, advanced reporting dashboards, and streamlined reconciliation processes, keeping them ahead of the curve in the fast-paced digital payments landscape.
Gulf Business
20 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
IHC rebrands eFunder as Zelo following acquisition
Image: IHC/ X International Holding Company ( The platform has also been rebranded as Zelo, signalling a new chapter for the company. Fully licensed and regulated by ADGM's Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), Zelo has been operating since August 2020, delivering receivables-based funding to address the region's SME working capital gap. It provides fast, digital-first access to liquidity by converting approved invoices into working capital within 24 to 48 hours. Following the acquisition by IHC, Zelo now enters a new chapter as part of the The platform addresses one of the region's most pressing challenges: a nearly$250bn SME credit gap across the Middle East and North Africa. While SMEs account for over 95 per cent of the UAE's registered businesses and generate more than half of national GDP, many face delays of 60 to 120 days in receiving payment for approved invoices, restricting growth and operational agility. Zelo bridges this gap by offering a seamless, technology-driven platform for invoice financing across priority industries, including construction, logistics, healthcare, industrial services, and oil and gas. IHC aims to build smart, scalable solutions and value networks that deliver impact Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, said: 'SMEs are the backbone of a diversified and future-ready economy. Through our strategic acquisition of Zelo, we are proud to support a platform that solves one of the most fundamental barriers facing SMEs, access to timely working capital. 'This rebrand signals a confident new chapter, one that is fully aligned with IHC's long-term vision of building smart, scalable solutions and dynamic value networks that deliver real and lasting economic impact.' Dhanush Arjun, CEO of Zelo, said: 'Zelo exists to eliminate the wait. The wait for payments, the wait for growth, the wait for opportunity. Our rebrand signals not just a new name, but a renewed commitment to SMEs in the UAE who deserve faster, smarter access to capital. With IHC's strategic backing, we're accelerating that future.' Zelo has deployed more than $200m in funding Zelo's platform is purpose-built for speed and simplicity, offering a fully digital onboarding experience, automated funding decisions, and near-instant access to capital, eliminating cash flow delays and accelerating reinvestment into growth. The platform also scales financing limits in line with business performance, creating a responsive and frictionless funding experience. Zelo's operations continue to be led by the co-founders of eFunder – Dhanush Arjun (CEO) and Deepak Sekar (COO), supported by a seasoned group of professionals with deep expertise in fintech, SME lending, and digital infrastructure. To date, the platform has facilitated over 9,000 transactions and deployed more than $200m in funding, a testament to its impact and scalability within the region's SME ecosystem.
ABC News
a day ago
- General
- ABC News
Rethinking religious education within the lived realities of pluralism in the Middle East: A reply to Paul Heck - ABC Religion & Ethics
Paul Heck's recent article on religious pluralism and education in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) provides a valuable diagnosis of regional gaps in religious education. He identifies the disinterest and polemicism that characterise much current discourse among faculty and students. Yet the academic landscape is far from monolithic: universities across the MENA region employ diverse, context-sensitive approaches to pluralism and inter-religious relations, each reflecting its institutional mission, language of instruction and local realities. Recognising this plurality of pedagogies is essential to advancing Heck's call for religious synergy — affirming one's own faith while acknowledging that others are also guided by God. As a historian and historian of religions who has taught students for nearly six years in Qatar, and online at Dar al-Kalima University in Palestine, and with international cohorts from Muslim, Western, African and Asian backgrounds, my perspective on religious pluralism and inter-religious engagement is shaped by sustained, first-hand engagement with diverse student bodies and local contexts. This experience informs my approach, which emphasises historical nuance, interdisciplinarity and the lived realities of pluralism in the Middle East. In my experience, interdisciplinary teaching of pluralism and interfaith relations — incorporating historical, social, political and theological perspectives — was welcomed by both students and faculty. When we engaged with multiple viewpoints and learned to analyse and critique them with intellectual rigour and empathy, students not only excelled academically but also demonstrated a remarkable capacity for critical thinking and mutual understanding across lines of difference. Pluralism — beyond theology and identity Heck warns that ignorance breeds hostility: 'If you want others to study your religion as you understand it … you have to study the religions of others as they understand them.' Building on Heck's understanding of religious pluralism as both a 'theological and social reality', we might further emphasise that pluralism encompasses complex social, philosophical and intellectual dimensions that extend beyond interfaith dialogue within a theological framework. Hussam al-Obaidi, for example, situates religious pluralism within philosophy of religion, distinguishing doctrinal debates from the lived reality of diversity. Mohammad Hashim Kamali's Qurʾānic hermeneutics differentiates plurality (diversity as fact) from pluralism (ethical engagement and legal recognition of difference), exemplified by the Constitution of Medina's inclusive ummah — which included the allied Jewish tribes as equal partners in a multi-religious civic community, each group retaining religious and legal autonomy yet bound by mutual obligations. Eric Geoffroy, moreover, demonstrates that Islam's scripture and history affirm pluralism, highlighting Qurʾānic verses such as 49:13 and 5:48, which emphasise diversity and mutual recognition as part of the divine plan. Crucially, the discourse on pluralism in Islamic education is enriched by Muslim voices from beyond the Arab Middle East. Kamali (Afghan) and Geoffroy (French Muslim) exemplify how global perspectives — rooted in diverse cultural, intellectual and historical contexts — expand and deepen understandings of pluralism within the Islamic tradition. The classroom as laboratory for critical inquiry While Heck is right to identifies disinterest and polemicism in current discourse among faculty and students, the classroom functions as a laboratory for critical inquiry where diverse pedagogical approaches can facilitate the co-creation of learning spaces in which objections rooted in both tradition and practice are subjected to rigorous scholarly analysis. This analysis is grounded in phenomenological methodologies that bracket ultimate truth claims while examining how religious traditions understand themselves. Contemporary MENA universities illustrate tailored pluralism curricula rather than a single template. Consider the following examples. Georgetown University in Qatar THEO-3920 'Religious Pluralism in the Middle East and the Islamic World' introduces students to the study and practice of religious diversity in the Middle East and the broader Islamic world, while also exploring pluralism in a range of global contexts. The course adopts an interdisciplinary approach — drawing on history, theology, sociology, politics and anthropology — to examine how religious pluralism has been constructed, experienced and contested across different societies and time periods. Students analyse pluralism from classical Islamic and Middle Eastern contexts to the present, consider foundational texts, formative historical developments and modern challenges, and engage with global case studies from regions such as south-east Asia, Africa and Europe. Comparative analysis, critical engagement with different models of diversity, and applied learning through historical documents, media and interview-based case studies are central features. THEO-3920 is taught variously by instructors whose backgrounds — ranging from historical and case-study methods to phenomenological, mystical and interdisciplinary analyses — shape the course's emphasis and pedagogical style. Saint Joseph University in Beirut The Institute of Muslim-Christian Studies, which was established in 1977, offers an interdisciplinary postgraduate degree in Christian-Muslim Relations (with both Arabic and French tracks), combining comparative methodology, conflict-transformation practicum and community-based research, exemplifying Lebanon's confessional mosaic of pluralism education. Both models attest to the fact that pluralism education in the MENA is non-monolithic: each institution crafts its curriculum to align with its identity, language policy and community needs. Curricular reform and public engagement in Iraq The evolving landscape of Iraqi higher education offers a compelling, if complex, case for how universities can serve as catalysts for pluralism in societies marked by histories of sectarian violence and mono-religious curricula. While Iraq's public education system has long privileged a singular religious narrative, recent years have witnessed a discernible, if uneven, shift in both curricular content and institutional ethos. Initiatives such as the Institute for the Study of Religious Diversity in Baghdad — which has developed new courses on minority faiths in collaboration with community scholars — signal a move toward curricular inclusivity that was previously unthinkable. At the University of Kufa, the UNESCO Chair for Interreligious Dialogue has not only produced research and organised symposia on Sunni-Shiite relations and the rights of non-Muslims, but it has also foregrounded the Qurʾānic and historical resources within Islam that support pluralism and coexistence. Likewise, the University of Karbala's College of Education for Human Sciences has foregrounded the ethical and scriptural dimensions of religious pluralism, situating these debates within both classical and contemporary Islamic thought. Notably, these reforms are not simply top-down mandates but are emerging from sustained engagement between faculty, minority communities and civil society — often in response to student demand for more relevant, inclusive approaches to the study of religion. Such developments, while still nascent and at times uneven, illustrate the potential for universities to move beyond mere rhetorical commitment to pluralism, instead embedding it in the lived academic and civic experience. In this sense, Iraq's universities are not only responding to Paul Heck's call for a more robust engagement with religious difference, but they are also advancing the regional conversation by demonstrating how curricular reform and public scholarship can begin to reshape societal attitudes toward diversity and coexistence. A significant example of team-taught or collaboratively designed interfaith courses in Iraq is the Institute for the Study of Religious Diversity's curriculum, which was developed with input from both Muslim and minority community scholars and is now piloted in Islamic sciences faculties and seminaries. This initiative not only incorporates multiple faith perspectives in course content but also models collaborative pedagogy by drawing on the expertise of diverse instructors and community representatives. Classrooms as microcosms of pluralism Classrooms reflect not only ethnic and cultural diversity but also religious diversity, particularly at Georgetown University in Qatar, where students from over seventy nationalities practice diverse faiths — including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism — creating naturally occurring interfaith learning environments through daily academic dialogue. At St Joseph University in Beirut, while the number of nationalities is lower, the student body remains notably international and multilingual, contributing to a vibrant, pluralistic campus culture. Notably, Palestinian universities such as Bethlehem University and Dar al-Kalima University have emerged as regional leaders in collaborative and team-taught interfaith education. Bethlehem University's Department of Religious Studies emphasises ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, often bringing together Christian and Muslim students under the guidance of faculty from diverse backgrounds, and employing dialogical, cross-disciplinary teaching methods. Dar al-Kalima University has developed a regional inter-religious dialogue curriculum designed for collaborative, co-taught delivery, with explicit recommendations and practice of faculty from different religious backgrounds leading courses together. These pedagogies, now increasingly common in the Middle East, demonstrate that team-taught interfaith courses are not merely theoretical ideals but are being realised across the region in both Palestinian and Iraqi institutions. From generalisations to nuanced particularities Heck's call to move beyond generic critiques aligns with these varied approaches. In Lebanon and Palestine, community-specific curricula reflect historical confessional arrangements rather than a unified program. Jordan's post-Amman Message reforms embed respect for 'People of the Book' in state textbooks and sponsor civil society dialogue initiatives. In the Gulf, Bahrain's legal guarantees of worship co-exist with Qatar's designated Religious Complex and more constrained pluralism elsewhere. Acknowledging this patchwork of pluralisms enables targeted pedagogical strategies — embedding comparative modules in theology, law or the humanities — rather than prescribing a single standalone course. Advancing religious synergy Paul Heck's notion of religious synergy — affirming one's own truth claims while recognising divine guidance in others — finds concrete expression across these diverse institutional models. At Georgetown University in Qatar, THEO-3920 cultivates what Diana Eck describes as pluralism — not mere diversity or tolerance, but the active, engaged encounter of commitments and the seeking of understanding across lines of difference. This approach encourages students to maintain their own convictional integrity while developing 'epistemic humility', a stance that acknowledges the limitations of human understanding and remains open to learning from religious others. Meanwhile, St Joseph University's postgraduate program fosters what can be termed intercultural mediation — the capacity to bridge differences through dialogue rather than elimination of those differences, thereby preparing graduates to serve as mediators in Lebanon's complex confessional landscape. These pedagogical approaches align with Keith Ward's understanding that religious diversity should be seen as 'a challenge to fuller understanding in our many ways of pursuing the search for a supreme objective Good'). Building on this foundation, a team-taught 'Theologies of Belief' course — co-led by Muslim and Christian faculty members — could further advance the rigorous mutual inquiry Heck advocates. Such collaborative teaching models, already realised at institutions like Bethlehem University, Dar al-Kalima University and through the Institute for the Study of Religious Diversity in Iraq, enable students to explore how each tradition understands divine guidance, religious authority and human flourishing while witnessing scholarly dialogue in practice. Together, these varied approaches operationalise the synergy Heck envisions without erasing doctrinal conviction, creating what interfaith educator Michael Atkinson describes as spaces where 'bridging difference does not lie in making religious comparisons but rather in accepting religious ambiguity in pursuit of truth'. Building on these institutional and curricular innovations, it is clear that the future of pluralism in higher education depends not merely on the presence of such courses, but on a genuine prioritisation of their historical and interdisciplinary value. The study of religious pluralism draws its strength from a deep engagement with history — not as an abstract backdrop, but as a living record of encounters, negotiations and sometimes ruptures that have shaped the present landscape of belief and coexistence. Likewise, interdisciplinarity is not simply a methodological add-on; it is essential to understanding pluralism as it operates across theological, social, legal and political domains. It is precisely this historically informed and interdisciplinary commitment that risks being sidelined if universities allow market trends to dictate curricular priorities. The displacement of courses on pluralism, inter-religious relations and religious studies in favour of offerings that merely fill perceived niches would not only marginalise these fields but also erode the university's ability to foster the kind of critical, contextually aware citizenship that our pluralistic societies demand. Religious studies — and more broadly, the rigorous, cross-disciplinary study of pluralism — can no longer be consigned to the academic periphery. They must be recognised as central to the university's mission to equip students to navigate, interpret and help shape the complexities of an increasingly interconnected and diverse world. Religious pluralism in the MENA region is inherently non-monolithic. Effective curricula must leverage existing institutional strengths — Islamic tradition (texts and history), Jesuit social justice, phenomenological methods, confessional heritage, ethical jurisprudence —while collaboratively embedding pluralist insights across faculties. By mapping and learning from these varied approaches, policymakers and educators can transform disinterest and susceptibility into dynamic, humble pluralism that equips students for genuine inter-religious coexistence and civic engagement. Josef Meri is a Senior Fellow and faculty member in the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University, Washington, DC. He is an historian of interfaith relations in the Middle East and of religions, specialising in pluralism, interfaith relations, Arab autobiography, identity and belonging.
