June 6-7, 2023
Theme: Advancing Pluralism to Build Thriving Societies.
The Marrakesh Forum provided a multi-faith collaboration event where leaders came away equipped with a tool kit of resources to help advance pluralism, with a special focus on the inclusion of women.
On June 6-7, 2023, 95 leaders from 14 countries gathered for a 2-day IRF leadership event in Marrakesh. Similar to the Abraham Accords, we developed public awareness about the benefits of coexistence, as well as religious freedom and women’s empowerment in the MENA region. We encouraged multi-faith collaboration to build peaceful and thriving societies. Government, business, academic, media, NGO and faith leaders were invited. After completing the training, participants shared their Plan of Action and received certificates of completion.
OBJECTIVES
- Build trust and relationships
- Explore challenges and opportunities
- Share practical tools and resources
- Identify multi-faith champions
- Foster pluralism in the MENA region.
The Marrakesh Forum offered a film festival, subject matter experts, strategy workshops, practical tools and affinity groups focused on building social movements for religious freedom to build thriving societies.
EVENT SPONSORS
Inter-faith Expert
Women’s Empowerment Expert
Media Expert
Business Development Expert
Emcee
Peace and Security Expert
NGO Expert
Media Expert
Gender Expert
Business Development Expert
SCHEDULE
Tuesday, June 6
| Time | Event | Speaker |
| 9:30 | Registration and Networking | Event Team |
| 11:00 | Welcome and Introductions | Astrid Hajjar |
| 11:20 | Agenda and Objectives | Shirin Taber |
| 11:25 | LWYB #1: “What is Freedom of Belief?” | Mariya Goodbrake |
| 11:30 | Speaker: Building Movements of Inter-faith Collaboration | Anila Ali |
| 11:50 | Speaker: Branding and Business Development | Nezha Alaoui |
| 12:10 | Panel | TBD |
| 12:25 | Announcements & Group Photos | Astrid & Deborah |
| 12:30 | Lunch | |
| 1:45 | Announcements | Astrid Hajjar |
| 2:00 | Speaker: The Power of Storytelling | Shirin Taber |
| 2:15 | Film Festival (Day 1) | |
| 2:45 | Media Panel | Filmmakers |
| 3:00 | Coffee Break | |
| 3:15 | LWYB #2: “Peace and Security” | Mariya Goodbrake |
| 3:20 | Speaker: Peace and Security | Manel Msalmi |
| 3:40 | Panel | TBD |
| 4:00 | Working Groups | Shirin Taber |
| 4:50 | Announcements | Astrid Hajjar |
| 5:00 | Conclusion of Day #1 (Optional Dinner in Working Groups) | |
Wednesday, June 7
| Time | Event | Speaker |
| 9:00 | Registration and Networking | Event Team |
| 9:30 | Welcome and Introductions | Astrid Hajjar |
| 9:45 | Agenda and Objectives | Shirin Taber |
| 9:50 | LWYB #3: “Women’s Empowerment” |
Mariya Goodbrake
|
| 10:00 | Panel | TBD |
| 10:15 | Film Festival (Day 2) | Shirin Taber |
| 10:30 | Media Panel | Filmmakers |
| 10:40 | Announcements | Astrid Hajjar |
| 10:45 | Coffee Break | |
| 11:00 | Workshops 1 & 2: “Gender Equity” and “Media and Messaging” | TBD |
| 11:50 | Workshops 3, 4, & 5: “Peace”, “NGOs”, and “Business Development” | TBD |
| 12:45 | Announcements and Group Photos | Astrid & Deborah |
| 1:00 | Lunch | |
| 2:00 | LWYB #4: “Business” | Mariya Goodbrake |
| 2:05 | Speaker: Building Movements for Religious Harmony | Shirin Taber |
| 2:15 | Working Groups | Shirin Taber |
| 3:15 | Coffee Break | |
| 3:30 | Working Group Presentations: One Big Idea | Shirin Taber |
| 4:00 | Certificate Awards | Mariya Goodbrake, Michelle Triepke |
| 4:45 | Call to Action | Anila Ali |
| 5:00 | Conclusion of Day #2 | |
CONTACT
For questions, contact Shirin Taber at shirin@empowerwomen.media
