In an era marked by rising religious polarization and geopolitical unrest, few voices resonate with such clarity and conviction as that of Obafemi Akintayo. A globally recognized peace and conflict resolution expert, Obafemi holds dual master’s degrees in Peace and Conflict Studies—one from the University of Oregon School of Law and another from the University of Ibadan. He currently serves as Assistant Chair for Interreligious Dialogue and Peace at the UO-UNESCO Crossings Institute, where he advances global initiatives that bridge divides across faith traditions. His professional affiliations include the UNESCO Chair for Transcultural Studies, Interreligious Dialogue, and Peace and several NGOs focused on humanitarian relief, restorative justice, and youth engagement. With a unique lens shaped by cross-continental academic and field experience, he is redefining how interreligious dialogue operates not just in theory, but as a powerful instrument for sustainable peace across cultures. In this interview, Obafemi offers profound insight into the role of faith-based dialogue in preventing violence, building trust, and repairing fractured societies around the world.
What exactly is interreligious dialogue, and why is it so vital in today’s global climate?
Interreligious dialogue is not a soft concept, it’s a powerful peacebuilding mechanism. At its core, it’s the process by which individuals and communities from different religious backgrounds come together to foster mutual understanding, empathy, and cooperative action. In today’s world, where religious identities are often politicized or weaponized, dialogue becomes a counter-narrative. It’s not about agreeing on doctrine. It’s about agreeing on dignity. It’s about listening, without losing conviction, and finding common ground in our shared humanity.
How does this work translate from theory to practical action in fragile or divided communities?
It begins with trust. Trust is the currency of dialogue, and it is built through small but consistent acts shared meals, collaborative community service, public declarations of solidarity. In practice, we bring together clergy, youth, women, elders, and educators from across religious divides to engage in structured conversations, mediation, and collective problem-solving. One powerful model involves joint task forces where religious leaders not only speak, but act collaborating on local development, conflict prevention, and trauma recovery. When people who were once suspicious of each other build something together, that’s peace in motion.
What are the most persistent misconceptions about interfaith dialogue?
That it’s symbolic or passive. Nothing could be further from the truth. Effective dialogue is action oriented. It can de-escalate tension before violence erupts. It can disrupt cycles of retaliation. It can transform the narratives that sustain fear and hatred. Another misconception is that it requires theological compromise. Not at all. Strong interreligious dialogue thrives on difference—it’s about respecting distinctions while focusing on shared moral values: justice, compassion, coexistence.
What role do underrepresented voices particularly women and youth play in this process?
They are the heartbeat of effective dialogue. Women are often the community stabilizers. They mediate within families, lead informal reconciliation efforts, and are the first to respond to trauma. Their perspectives are indispensable. Likewise, youth are not just future leaders they are leaders now. They innovate, they organize, they build bridges through technology and grassroots mobilization. In many settings, it is young people who initiate the first courageous steps toward engagement across religious lines. Any dialogue process that excludes these groups is incomplete and short-lived.
You’ve worked across academic, governmental, and nonprofit sectors. How do these experiences shape your approach to interfaith peacebuilding?They allow me to navigate the space between theory and practice. Academia provides the frameworks; government brings the institutional authority; nonprofits offer the grassroots reach. When you align all three knowledge, policy, and community you create holistic peace strategies. My work at the UO-UNESCO Crossings Institute, for instance, draws on interdisciplinary collaboration: we integrate anthropology, law, theology, and diplomacy to foster cross-cultural understanding. It’s not just about resolving conflicts it’s about building cultures of peace.
With the current global rise in religious nationalism and extremism, how can interreligious dialogue remain effective?
By remaining courageous. Dialogue must never be reduced to political correctness. It must speak boldly against injustice whether perpetrated by religious institutions, governments, or extremist factions. Silence in the face of oppression is not neutrality it is complicity. Interreligious dialogue is effective when it refuses to ignore suffering, when it uplifts marginalized voices, and when it works proactively to dismantle the conditions that breed radicalization. This includes addressing inequality, displacement, and the misuse of sacred texts for political gain.
What drives you personally in this work?
I’ve seen the cost of division. I’ve also seen the power of reconciliation. I come from a place where faith is central to identity and I’ve chosen to make peace central to mine. My life’s work is about helping societies move from tolerance to transformation. Dialogue, for me, is not a profession. It’s a calling.
If you could give one message to global religious leaders, what would it be?
Use your influence to protect—not politicize human dignity. You have platforms people trust. Use them not to build walls but bridges. The world doesn’t need louder voices it needs wiser ones. Stand together. Speak truth. Choose peace.
Your work is a reminder that peace is not an abstraction, but a daily commitment.
Dialogue is not easy but it is always worth it. Akintayo can be reached via obawonbafemi@gmail.com
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