SIO ONE OF THE BEST PRACTICE OF INTER-FAITH INITIATIVES IN THE WORLD: UNESCO

Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) is mentioned as one of the best practices of youth inter-faith dialogue initiatives in a global survey report of UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation). As part of UNESCO’s efforts to strengthen dialogue among civilisations and cultures it had conducted a global research to define the best practices in interreligious dialogue. The research was conducted by Arigatou International. SIO is the only Islamic Organisation among the eight organisations shortlisted as best among the total of 200 practices of Inter-faith dialogue in India. The 78-page report in its evaluation of Indian practices mentions: “Probably no country in the world harbours more interfaith dialogue meetings than in India, with over 200 organisations active in interfaith dialogue.” The report also mentions SIO as the dialogue initiative with the largest number of youth membership. The research team had visited SIO headquarters in New Delhi in June 2009 and had detailed discussions with the central leadership of SIO.