Can Tourism Foster Tolerance?

Join TNR’s Stephanie Heimann and Aziz Abu Sarah, founder of Mejdi Tours, as they talk about the importance of travel in these days of conflict around the globe. Aziz makes a strong argument for how socially conscious travel can promote peace across cultures and perspectives.

With

Aziz Abu Sarah, co-owner and CEO, Mejdi Tours

Stephanie Heimann, photo director, The New Republic

Aziz Abu Sarah. Harnessing the transformative power of travel, in 2009 Aziz cofounded MEJDI Tours—originators of the Dual Narrative™ and a leader of responsible travel. Aziz’s educational and conflict resolution work throughout the world has earned him the titles of National Geographic Explorer and Ted Fellow. He has written opinion pieces for The New York Times, The Washington Post, Al-Quds, Haaretz, and has been published by National Geographic, CNN, TED, and Al Arabiya. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the World by the Royal Strategic Centre in Jordan each year since 2010.

His book, Crossing Boundaries - A Traveler’s Guide To World Peace, was released in July 2020. Co-author of the 2018 publication, Strangers, Neighbors, Friends: Muslim-Christian-Jewish Reflections on Compassion and Peace, Aziz continues to be at the forefront of peace and reconciliation efforts in conflict zones. Aziz has worked in 60 countries, including Afghanistan, Colombia, Syria, and the Balkans.

He has served as Executive Director at the Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University and as the Chairman for the Parents Circle Family Forum representing the organization at international governmental organizations such as the European Parliament. He is the cofounder of InterAct International, a non profit advancing sustainability, education, and cross cultural connections.

Aziz has spoken at numerous international organizations, tourism conferences, corporations and universities, including TED, The United Nations, National Geographic, Nexus and the European Parliament. He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Goldberg Prize for Peace in the Middle East from the Institute of International Education, the European Parliament’s Silver Rose Award, the Eisenhower Medallion and the Eliav-Sartawi Award for his Middle Eastern Journalism. He won the Intercultural innovation award from the UN Alliance of Civilizations and the BMW Group. He was also recognized by former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon for his work in peace building.

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