A Bridge of Dialogue in Melaka: The Meeting Between the World Organization of States and the Kampung Kling Mosque

Today, at 11:00 a.m., the historic Kampung Kling Mosque in Melaka hosted a significant interfaith meeting between Father Marco Baragli, Councillor for Cooperation of the World Organization of States (WOS), and Mr. Abdul Rahman Khan, representative of the mosque.

Melaka, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage City, once again confirmed its role as an international symbol of peaceful coexistence and harmony. Within a small area, places of worship representing the world's major faiths—including Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism—stand side by side, offering a remarkable example of mutual respect and religious diversity.

It was in this unique setting that a dialogue marked by cordiality, openness, and sincere hospitality took place. From the very first moments, the warmth of the welcome extended to Father Marco Baragli was evident. The reception was so genuine that there was hardly time for him to put down his backpack before being invited to take a commemorative photograph together, reflecting an immediate atmosphere of friendship and mutual esteem.

The discussion focused on two profound spiritual themes: humanity's longing for God and the question of God's presence in the face of the suffering and crises affecting today's world.

During the conversation, a broad convergence of views emerged. The participants agreed that the spiritual emptiness experienced by many people today is not the absence of God, but rather an inner calling and a thirst for truth that inspires every believer to seek goodness. Faced with the tragedies of our time, they shared the conviction that God is not distant from suffering humanity but remains close to those who suffer, making His presence known through those who offer compassion, relief, and peace. They also reaffirmed that evil, violence, and war are the consequence of human choices and of turning away from the values of justice, love, and fraternity.

At a time when numerous conflicts continue to affect different regions of the world, both representatives strongly emphasized that interfaith dialogue is not merely an opportunity but an essential necessity for preventing conflicts and promoting lasting peace.

From the perspective of the World Organization of States, cooperation among religions is one of the fundamental pillars of preventive diplomacy and international stability. When religious communities engage in dialogue, they dismantle the prejudices that are too often exploited to justify hatred and violence. Father Marco Baragli stressed that global peace cannot be achieved without a culture of universal fraternity and mutual respect, in which diversity is regarded as a source of enrichment rather than division.

To conclude this meaningful meeting, Mr. Abdul Rahman Khan presented Father Marco Baragli with a copy of the Holy Quran in the Italian language. This gesture of remarkable cultural and spiritual openness was warmly appreciated by the WOS Councillor, who expressed his sincere gratitude for the generous hospitality he received.

From Melaka comes a simple yet powerful message for the international community: peace is built every day through encounter, dialogue, and mutual listening.

World Day Against Child Labour

By Father Marco Baragli

Counsellor for Cooperation – WOS-IPSP

Head of Initiatives Against Human Trafficking

The World Day Against Child Labour, observed every year on 12 June, calls the international community to reflect on one of the most serious wounds still affecting the field of human rights. Despite the progress achieved in recent decades, more than 160 million children worldwide continue to be involved in forms of labour that deprive them of childhood, education, and dignity. Many of these minors are victims of economic exploitation, violence, and coercion, often hidden from public view and difficult to identify in the most fragile contexts.

The fight against child labour cannot be considered a marginal issue or one limited to specific geographical areas. It is a shared responsibility involving governments, international institutions, businesses, local communities, and civil society. Each actor plays a crucial role in preventing abuse, strengthening protection systems, ensuring access to education, and promoting living conditions that do not force families to rely on their children’s work as a means of survival. The protection of children is a fundamental indicator of a nation’s democratic and social development, and no country can claim to be fully developed if it fails to safeguard its most vulnerable members.

During my pastoral and social service in Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Italy, I have encountered children and adolescents forced to work in mines, fields, informal markets, or recruited by criminal networks that exploit them for profit. In many cases, child labour serves as a gateway to even more severe forms of abuse, including human trafficking. Poverty, political instability, lack of education, and the absence of adequate safeguards create fertile ground for exploiters who take advantage of vulnerable families and their lack of alternatives. Combating child labour therefore means breaking the chains of trafficking, protecting the most vulnerable, and building more just and resilient communities.

The World Organization of States encourages and supports all international cooperation initiatives aimed at combating child labour, promoting access to education, and strengthening child protection systems. The organization also continues to foster dialogue and cooperation with governments, non-governmental organizations, religious institutions, and civil society actors committed to preventing all forms of exploitation and promoting human dignity.

On this day, I wish to address an appeal to institutions, civil society organizations, and citizens in all countries: we cannot remain indifferent. Every child forced to work represents a collective failure, but also an invitation to renew our commitment to a more humane world. Protecting children is not only a legal obligation; it is an act of justice, civility, and faith in humanity. Children are not the future—they are the present entrusted to our care, and their protection is the truest measure of our moral responsibility.

The New Strategic Role of the Arab World: From Economic Power to a Key Actor in Global Governance

Related Arab Press Publications

Al Saa News (Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan)

https://alsaa.net/article/642106/مايوليزيه-من-القوة-الاقتصادية

Al Qalah News (Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan)

https://alqalahnews.net/article/448536

Misr Al Mahrosa News (Arab Republic of Egypt)

https://mmasr.news/15709/

Over the past decades, the Arab world has undergone a profound transformation that extends far beyond its traditional role as an energy and economic powerhouse. While its international influence was once primarily associated with natural resources and financial capacity, today we are witnessing the emergence of a new phase characterized by increasing diplomatic initiative, political mediation, and international cooperation.

Arab countries are assuming a growing role in regional stabilization efforts, the promotion of dialogue among civilizations, and the development of strategic partnerships with Africa, Asia, and Europe. The major economic reforms launched across several states in the region demonstrate a strong commitment to diversification, technological innovation, education, and infrastructure development, creating the foundations for sustainable growth and greater resilience in the face of global challenges.

At the same time, the Arab world is demonstrating an increasing ability to contribute to the resolution of international crises through diplomatic initiatives, humanitarian assistance programs, and multilateral cooperation mechanisms. This evolution represents a significant opportunity for the international community, which is called upon to recognize and support the constructive contribution that the region can offer to peace, security, and global development.

The World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP) believes that strengthening cooperation between the Arab world and other regions of the globe can become one of the key pillars for building a more balanced, inclusive, and conflict-preventive international order.

As Secretary General of WOS-IPSP, I believe that the twenty-first century should be defined not by competition among civilizations, but by cooperation among peoples and cultures. In this context, the Arab world possesses the resources, experience, and legitimacy necessary to make a decisive contribution to the advancement of lasting peace, mutual understanding, and shared prosperity.

The growing engagement of Arab nations in diplomacy, economic development, humanitarian action, and intercultural dialogue reflects a vision that can help shape a more stable and cooperative future for humanity. Recognizing and encouraging this positive role is in the interest of the entire international community.

Alfredo Maiolese

Secretary General

World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP)

Ambassador at Large

Italian

Negli ultimi decenni il mondo arabo ha attraversato una trasformazione profonda che va ben oltre la tradizionale dimensione energetica ed economica. Se per lungo tempo la sua influenza internazionale è stata associata principalmente alle risorse naturali e alla capacità finanziaria, oggi assistiamo all'emergere di una nuova fase caratterizzata da una crescente capacità di iniziativa diplomatica, mediazione politica e cooperazione internazionale.

I Paesi arabi stanno assumendo un ruolo sempre più rilevante nei processi di stabilizzazione regionale, nella promozione del dialogo tra civiltà e nella costruzione di partenariati strategici con Africa, Asia ed Europa. Le grandi trasformazioni economiche avviate in numerosi Stati della regione testimoniano la volontà di investire nella diversificazione produttiva, nell'innovazione tecnologica, nell'istruzione e nelle infrastrutture, creando le condizioni per una crescita sostenibile e una maggiore resilienza alle sfide globali.

Parallelamente, il mondo arabo sta dimostrando una crescente capacità di contribuire alla soluzione delle crisi internazionali attraverso iniziative diplomatiche, programmi di assistenza umanitaria e strumenti di cooperazione multilaterale. Questa evoluzione rappresenta un'opportunità significativa per la comunità internazionale, chiamata a riconoscere e valorizzare il contributo costruttivo che la regione può offrire alla pace, alla sicurezza e allo sviluppo globale.

La World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP) ritiene che il rafforzamento della cooperazione tra il mondo arabo e le altre regioni del pianeta possa costituire uno degli elementi fondamentali per la costruzione di un ordine internazionale più equilibrato, inclusivo e orientato alla prevenzione dei conflitti.

Come Segretario Generale del WOS-IPSP, ritengo che il XXI secolo debba essere caratterizzato non dalla competizione tra civiltà, ma dalla collaborazione tra popoli e culture. In questo contesto, il mondo arabo possiede le risorse, l'esperienza e la legittimità necessarie per contribuire in maniera determinante alla costruzione di una pace duratura e di uno sviluppo condiviso.

Alfredo Maiolese

Secretary General World Organization of States – International Parliament for Safety and Peace (WOS-IPSP) Ambassador at Large