The North Africa Summit 2026: Religion, Society, and Law concluded in Casablanca. The summit was organized by the Menassat Foundation for Research and Social Studies in partnership with the International Religious Freedom Summit, the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights & Justice, and The Brownback Group. The event brought together government officials, members of parliament, judges, academics, religious leaders, diplomats, representatives of international organizations and civil society institutions, as well as researchers from around the world.

Held over three days, the summit served as a regional platform for dialogue and the exchange of expertise on the relationship between religion, society, and law, as well as ways to strengthen coexistence, uphold human dignity, protect rights and freedoms, and build more stable and open societies.

Participants emphasized that the world is facing growing challenges, including social polarization, digital disinformation, and the exploitation of religion in political and geopolitical conflicts. They stressed that addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach grounded in the rule of law, scientific research, dialogue, and cooperation among public institutions, civil society organizations, and religious actors.

The summit concluded with a series of key messages and recommendations. Chief among them was the affirmation that human dignity should serve as the guiding principle for public policies and legislation. Participants also underscored that protecting freedom of religion is closely linked to safeguarding freedom of thought, expression, and association, ensuring equality before the law, and preventing discrimination.

Participants also examined Morocco’s experience in the field of religious governance and the efforts it has made to promote moderation, tolerance, and dialogue among cultures and religions, thereby making religion a source of stability and peaceful coexistence.

The summit further addressed the role of institutions in promoting a culture of human rights, strengthening dialogue, and protecting human dignity through an approach that balances the preservation of rights and freedoms with the maintenance of social cohesion.

Regarding reform, participants stressed that sustainable legal reforms can only succeed if they are based on scientific knowledge, societal dialogue, and broad public participation. They called for strengthening the role of universities, research centers, and think tanks in supporting public policies and evidence-based decision-making.

Participants also called for developing new approaches to address the challenges of the digital age, particularly misinformation and polarization fueled by digital platforms, through greater investment in education and culture, the development of appropriate legal frameworks, and enhanced international cooperation.

The summit discussions reaffirmed that intercultural dialogue should serve as a practical tool for building trust, promoting social peace, fostering shared citizenship, and respecting religious and cultural diversity as an asset to societies rather than a source of division.

Participants expressed their appreciation for the conditions provided by Morocco to ensure the success of this international event, praising the high quality of its organization and the country's renowned hospitality, which reflect the Kingdom’s position as a space for dialogue, openness, and intercultural exchange.

They also commended the Menassat Foundation for Research and Social Studies for launching this initiative, driven by its conviction that scientific research and dialogue serve as a bridge between knowledge and policymaking, between civil society and institutions, and between North Africa and its international partners.

Participants considered the success of the summit’s inaugural edition to mark the beginning of a new regional path for dialogue and cooperation, aimed at strengthening the exchange of expertise, advancing knowledge production, encouraging evidence-based reforms, and promoting a culture of dialogue and mutual respect.

At the close of the summit, participants reaffirmed their commitment to continuing this process by developing mechanisms for scientific and institutional cooperation and encouraging joint initiatives among universities, research centers, and national and international institutions, thereby contributing to the promotion of human dignity, the rule of law, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development throughout North Africa and beyond.