Amman, 27 Nov. (Petra) — The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies (RIIFS) has been awarded special recognition for its project “Living Together in Harmony” as part of the 2024 Intercultural Achievement Award (IAA), presented by the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The award was announced at a reception hosted by Austrian Ambassador to Jordan, Marieke Zimburg, at the Austrian residence in Amman.

During the event, Ambassador Zimburg congratulated the RIIFS team, emphasizing the significant impact of their project. She also presented a certificate of recognition to the representatives of the Royal Institute, highlighting the project’s importance in promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue.

The IAA is a prestigious initiative of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, aimed at honoring innovative and successful civil society projects that foster intercultural and interreligious dialogue. The award celebrates initiatives that use media to address societal challenges through cultural action, leaving a positive and lasting impact on communities worldwide.

The “Living Together in Harmony” project, implemented by RIIFS in collaboration with Caritas Jordan, Crescendo Institute of Music and Arts, and with support from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, works to address post-conflict trauma. It brings together Jordanian and Iraqi Christian refugee children and adolescents through cultural exchange and music workshops, focusing on key themes such as human rights, communication, and fostering empathy between cultures and religions.

This year’s recognition marks another achievement for Jordanian organizations in the IAA competition. In 2021, the Jordanian NGO 7 Hills received special recognition for its inclusive public spaces, offering free skateboarding and arts programs. In 2023, Puppets World for Children’s Development became the first Jordanian organization to win one of the IAA’s seven main awards.

In 2024, RIIFS joins this distinguished group, standing out among eight shortlisted Jordanian projects, selected from 340 international submissions in the global competition.

//Petra// RZ
27/11/2024 12:20:54