By Staff Reporter
Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, is in Rome, Italy, where he is participating in the second edition of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Interfaith Dialogue. The conference, which runs from 19 to 21 June 2025, is being held under the theme “Strengthening Trust and Embracing Hope for Our Common Future.”
The gathering, jointly organised by the IPU and the Italian Parliament in collaboration with Religions for Peace, is a unique platform that brings together Speakers of Parliaments, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, UN agencies, international organisations, and representatives from academia and civil society. The dialogue is designed to deepen collaboration among global institutions in the promotion of peace, inclusivity, and respect for fundamental human rights through interfaith understanding.
This year’s event builds upon the foundation laid by the inaugural Interfaith Dialogue held in Marrakech, Morocco, in 2023. That meeting concluded with the adoption of the Marrakech Communiqué, which acknowledged that interfaith dialogue grounded in the defence of human rights and freedoms is a powerful tool for promoting peaceful coexistence and collective action towards a more just society.
Zimbabwe’s participation in the Rome conference is headlined by Speaker Mudenda, who is accompanied by Senator Chief Nechombo; Hon. Farai Jere, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture; and Hon. Maureen Kademaunga, a member of the IPU Forum for Young Parliamentarians. Upon their arrival in Rome, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Italy, Her Excellency Mrs Chauke, along with officials from the Zimbabwean embassy.
Speaker Mudenda is expected to present Zimbabwe’s experience in promoting religious tolerance, with a particular focus on how the Constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees freedom of worship and belief. Zimbabwe has made notable progress in fostering interfaith understanding and cooperation through inclusive national policies. These policies have encouraged peaceful coexistence among diverse religious groups, reinforcing the country’s commitment to pluralism and unity.
A key highlight of the Rome dialogue will be the scheduled audience with Pope Leo IV, the newly ordained leader of the Roman Catholic Church, on June 21. This high-level engagement symbolises the IPU’s commitment to fostering meaningful exchanges between political and spiritual leaders as part of its wider mission to bridge divides and cultivate peace.
Speaker Mudenda’s presence at this global forum is a reflection of Zimbabwe’s growing role in international diplomacy, particularly through what has come to be known as Parliamentary Diplomacy. His participation illustrates the Zimbabwean Parliament’s active engagement in global peace-building initiatives and its support for mutual understanding among faith communities.
Through his address and interactions in Rome, Speaker Mudenda is expected to highlight Zimbabwe’s Ubuntu-driven approach to coexistence, where respect, empathy, and collective responsibility underpin social cohesion. By showcasing Zimbabwe’s efforts to safeguard religious freedoms, the Speaker reinforces the message that inclusive dialogue remains critical to the preservation of peace both nationally and globally.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union Interfaith Dialogue offers Zimbabwe an opportunity not only to share its story but also to learn from other nations that are actively cultivating tolerance in diverse religious landscapes. The outcomes of the conference are expected to inform future parliamentary actions that reinforce unity, reduce extremism, and promote sustainable peace.
Speaker Mudenda’s participation sends a strong message to the global community: Zimbabwe stands for religious tolerance, human dignity, and constructive engagement between faiths and political institutions — principles that are indispensable in shaping a peaceful and hopeful future for all.
