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Sajeda Shawa, Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the UAE, has joined an international appeal urging world leaders to prioritise dialogue, diplomacy and humanitarian values amid escalating global conflicts.

The appeal was coordinated by the International Spiritual Council for Transforming Humanity (ISCTH) and brings together humanitarian leaders, parliamentarians and religious figures calling for peaceful solutions to ongoing crises.

Call for dialogue over conflict

In her message, Shawa stressed the importance of placing human dignity at the centre of decision-making during a period marked by armed conflicts and humanitarian emergencies.

“I hope leaders choose dialogue over division, compassion over indifference, and place human dignity at the heart of every decision,” she said.

The appeal comes as conflicts in several regions continue to displace millions of people and increase pressure on humanitarian relief efforts.

International leaders back the initiative

Among those supporting the appeal are:

• Dr H.C. Nik Gugger, a member of the Swiss Parliament, who called for dialogue instead of escalation.
• Jan Figel, President of FOREF Europe and former European Union Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, who highlighted the importance of protecting human rights to achieve lasting peace.
• Dalai Lama, who reiterated that lasting peace begins with compassion.
• Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, who called for greater support for peace and vulnerable communities affected by conflict.

The appeal also referenced comments by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who urged compromise to achieve long-term peace agreements.

Focus on diplomacy

The initiative is led by Maitreya Dadashreeji, founder of ISCTH, who called on governments to resolve disputes through diplomacy rather than confrontation.

He also appealed for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying dialogue and cooperation offer the most sustainable path to long-term stability.

Promoting humanitarian values

ISCTH said the initiative aims to encourage governments, institutions and communities to prioritise human life, dignity and peaceful engagement as humanitarian crises continue to affect millions of people worldwide.