Professor Dr. Nikolaos F. Dimitriadis at the United Nations: Living Together in Harmony, Rejecting Dehumanisation and Overcoming Polarisations

As part of his continued engagement in global dialogue on ethics, reconciliation, and intercultural understanding, Professor Dr. Nikolaos F. Dimitriadis, faculty member of ACT (American College of Thessaloniki) and President of the Center of Ecumenical, Missiological and Environmental Studies (CEMES), participated in the high-level consultation “Living Together in Harmony: Rejecting Dehumanisation and Overcoming Polarisations” held at the United Nations Office in Geneva.

Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Dr. Dimitriadis remarked:

“I’ve crossed many gates in my life, gates of learning, dialogue, and transformation, but walking through the gate of the United Nations today felt different. It felt like stepping into a sacred responsibility. Reconciliation, whether between nations or neighbors, becomes impossible when we no longer see the other as fully human. Dehumanisation is the oxygen of war and the seed of division.”

Drawing on the values of the United Nations Faith for Rights framework and the ethical vision of Globethics.net, Dr. Dimitriadis underscored the indispensable role of ethical education and spiritual literacy in rebuilding trust and addressing global polarization.

“Faith and human rights are not enemies. They are partners. Living together in harmony is not only about ending conflict. It is about seeing the sacred in every human being and having the courage to act on it.”

This intervention reflects ACT’s commitment to fostering leaders who embrace ethical responsibility, intercultural dialogue, and the pursuit of peace grounded in shared human dignity.