Buenos Aires, Tuesday 18th February 2025. Today the 8th World Congress on Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue begins in Buenos Aires, consolidating its position as one of the most important global forums for meeting and reflection. This event brings together prominent figures from the political, academic, religious and business spheres, who will address key issues that define the present and future of Argentina and the world.
The Congress, which is celebrating its 12th anniversary, has been led for years by Gustavo M. Guillermé, an undisputed leader in the promotion of intercultural and religious dialogue. His work has been fundamental in fostering an inclusive space where all beliefs are respected and valued, promoting dialogue as an essential tool for building bridges towards global peace. With a career marked by his openness to different spiritual traditions, Guillermé, who was also guest of honour at the Faith and Freedom Summit held in Panama at the headquarters of the Latin American Parliament, has worked closely with religious leaders from all over the world, notably his relationship with Pope Francis, who shares his vision of a more united and tolerant world. This connection not only reinforces their commitment to the universal values of justice and peace, but also amplifies their influence in the construction of interreligious initiatives that seek to overcome divisions and promote the common good.
The event is being held in the Auditorio Angélica Zapata of the Universidad del CEMA, located at 775 Reconquista, on the corner of Av. Córdoba, in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.
Opening of the Congress
The day will begin at 9:00 am with an opening ceremony where national authorities and representatives of the Interreligious Congress will offer words of welcome. Among them will be:
- Cynthia Wilner, Academic Secretary of the University of CEMA.
- Mr. Gustavo M. Guillermé, President of the World Congress on Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue.
- Agustín Ezequiel Caulo, Undersecretary of Worship and Civilisation of the Argentine Nation.
Panel 1: The Abraham Accords – A Path to Peace
From 9:15 to 10:40 a.m., the first round table will be held, entitled ‘The Abraham Accords: A Path to Peace’. Moderated by Dr Cristian David Badillo Gutiérrez, General Director of the National Conscience Foundation for Religious Freedom and Founder of the International Centre for Religious Freedom CIELRE, this session will explore the geopolitical and social impact of these historic agreements. Panelists include:
- Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Associate Dean and Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre’s Social Action Agency.
- Ambassador H.E. Eyal Sela, Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Argentine Republic.
- Gustavo M. Guillermé, President of the World Congress on Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue.
Round Table 2: Thinking about the Transformation of Argentina 2025-2055
Starting at 11:00 a.m., the second round table will be held under the title ‘Thinking about the Transformation of Argentina 2025-2055’. Moderated by Dr. David Frol, President of CALIR (Argentine Council for Religious Freedom), this discussion will analyse strategic policies for the development of the country. Participants will include:
- Ms Sabrina Ajmetchet, Member of the Honourable Chamber of Deputies of the Nation.
- Mr Hernán Lombardi, Member of the Honourable Chamber of Deputies of the Nation.
- Mr Damián Arabia, Member of the Honourable Chamber of Deputies of the Nation.
- Dr Juan Carlos Pagotto, Senator of the Honourable Chamber of Senators of the Argentine Nation.
- Mr Guillermo Smythe, Head of Public Relations, Staff of L. Ron Hubbard.
- Father Carlos White, Delegate of the Archbishopric of Buenos Aires for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue.
- Dr Cristian David Badillo Gutiérrez, Director General of the National Conscience Foundation for Religious Freedom.
Panel 3: Youth, Faith and Politics
The third round table, scheduled from 14:00 to 15:15, will discuss ‘Youth, Faith and Politics: Building Bridges for the Future of a Nation’. This session will be moderated by Estefanía Michelle Pener, who has a degree in Political Science, is a specialist in Leadership and Government Management, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Una Senda Hacia la Paz Foundation, Assistant Treasurer of Keren Kayemet L Israel and Operations Director of the Guesher Foundation. The young leaders taking part include:
- Fabian Amarilla, Director of Political and International Relations of the World Congress of Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue.
- Andrea Fernández Bevans, Director of the Communication Council of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires Region of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Juan Ignacio Boutet, Digital Communicator, Student of International Relations and Government (UADE) and Founder of Juventud La Libertad Avanza.
- Gino Visconti, Businessman, Bachelor of Administration (UNLaR) and Founder of Guten Tag.
- Frank Maier, Student of Political Science (UCEMA) and Scholar of the Friedman Hayek Center.
- Ailyn Wisnia, Communicator, Journalist specialising in Security and Radio Presenter.
Panel 4: A Global Dilemma
Finally, between 15:30 and 17:00, the last round table will take place, entitled ‘A Global Dilemma: The Links between International Terrorism and Organised Crime’. Moderated by Dr Gustavo Libardi, President of the Scientology Church of Argentina, this discussion will include experts in security and the fight against organised crime, including:
- Dr Martín Verrier, Secretary of State for the Fight against Drug Trafficking and Organised Crime of the Ministry of National Security of the Argentine Republic.
- Dr Carlos Mahiques, Judge of the Federal Chamber of Criminal Cassation.
- Mr Guillermo Smythe, Head of Public Relations, Staff of L. Ronald Hubbard.
- General Carlos Ramiro Mena Bravo, General of the Active Reserve of the National Police of Colombia.
- Mr Diego Stern, President of Keren Kayemet Israel Argentina KKL.
A Twelve-Year Success Story
This Congress, which is celebrating its 12th anniversary, has been attended by seven former presidents of Latin America: José María Aznar (Spain), Luis Alberto Lacalle (Uruguay), Fernando Henrique Cardoso (Brazil), Ricardo Lagos (Chile), Franco Gómez (Paraguay), Eduardo Duhalde (Argentina) and Jorge Quiroga Ramírez (Bolivia). In addition, governors, senators, businessmen, university vice-chancellors and union and religious leaders have also participated.
With this new chapter, the 8th World Congress on Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue reaffirms its commitment to promoting understanding, cooperation and dialogue in an increasingly interconnected and challenging world.
Today, more than ever, intercultural and interfaith dialogue is essential to building bridges towards an inclusive and peaceful future.
