Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, Dean of the University of the Philippines Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS), participated in the Network for Centers for Christian-Muslim Relations (NCCMR) Annual Symposium held in Cairo, Egypt, on July 6 and 7, 2026. In addition to his participation in the symposium, Prof. Wadi serves as a member of the NCCMR Steering Committee, contributing to the network’s efforts to strengthen collaboration among institutions engaged in Christian-Muslim relations.
Gathering high-level religious leaders, scholars, and academic representatives from various countries, the symposium served as an international platform for advancing Christian-Muslim engagement through academic dialogue, peacebuilding, and global collaboration. Centered on the theme “The Future of Christian-Muslim Relations: Prospects and Challenges,” the event featured discussions on strengthening interfaith understanding, addressing emerging global challenges, and promoting cooperation among academic and religious institutions.
The symposium spanned two days and brought together distinguished scholars, religious leaders, and practitioners for keynote addresses, panel sessions, and regional dialogues. Discussions explored the historical and contemporary dimensions of Christian-Muslim relations, peacebuilding initiatives, interfaith and intrafaith cooperation, and emerging opportunities and challenges for Christian-Muslim engagement across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East (NCCMR, 2026).
Representing the UP IIS, Prof. Wadi shared the Institute’s commitment to promoting deeper understanding among peoples and communities through education, research, and extension. As an advocate of interfaith dialogue, he actively participated in discussions with fellow delegates, exchanging perspectives and best practices on promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and intercultural understanding.
The symposium also provided opportunities to establish and strengthen partnerships with institutions engaged in Christian-Muslim relations and peacebuilding. Through these engagements, Prof. Wadi expanded UP IIS’s international network while gaining valuable insights that could further enrich the Institute’s academic programs, research initiatives, and extension activities.
His participation carries added significance as the Network for Centers for Christian-Muslim Relations (NCCMR) and the University of the Philippines Diliman have recently formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing Christian-Muslim relations by promoting dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration for peace and social harmony across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Under the MOU, UP Diliman and NCCMR will pursue collaborative initiatives in areas of mutual academic and interfaith interest. These include faculty, researcher, and student exchanges; joint research and translation projects; lectures, symposia, and other interfaith programs; the exchange of academic resources and information; and other cooperative activities that strengthen scholarship and intercultural engagement.
Prof. Wadi also serves as a member of the NCCMR Steering Committee, contributing to the network’s efforts to strengthen collaboration among institutions engaged in Christian-Muslim relations.
For the UP IIS, the partnership represents another milestone in expanding its global academic presence while reinforcing its role as a leading institution for Islamic Studies, interfaith dialogue, and peacebuilding in the Philippines. By cultivating international collaborations with institutions that share its vision, UP IIS continues to contribute to the University’s mission of generating knowledge, promoting understanding across cultures and faiths, and advancing initiatives that foster peaceful and inclusive societies.
Article by Camille Lucille A. Bello, University Researcher II
Photos by NCCMR