Rev. Dr. Riad Jarjour is the president of FDCD and is currently the General Secretary of the Arab Group for Muslim-Christian Dialogue (both of which he founded respectively in 2004 and 1995). As a Lebanese\Syrian clergyman, his devotion to fostering peaceful dialogues between Muslim and Christian communities, dates back to the mid-seventies when he was appointed as a minister in Southern Lebanon: a melting pot of Christian and Shiite Muslim communities. Ever since, his passion for interfaith harmony grew not only in Lebanon, but globally. In fact, Jarjour convened more than 100 historically significant nation-wide gatherings in Lebanon, Syria, Cyprus, Geneva, Oslo and Copenhagen.

Beyond the official nation-wide encounters, Riad remains close to the grassroots and very close and attuned to the aspirations of the people. Having dedicated over forty years to humanitarian and development work, and peacebuilding and reconciliation pursuits, Jarjour has built a legacy that guides the mission and endeavors of FDCD, and that inspires many professionals and experts.

Jarjour, a former Secretary General of the Middle East Council of churches (1994 – 2003), holds an STM degree from the Near East School of Theology-Beirut as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary-Chicago, in addition to an honorary doctorate in Peace and Conflict resolution from the Lebanese American University-Beirut.

With dedication and so much commitment, Jarjour continuously navigates the turbulent and fast-paced changing landscape of the Middle East and North Africa with one aim: enabling spaces where people live in dignity, where compatriots and neighbors can reconcile with their past, celebrate their shared humanity and live in harmony and understanding through their diversity.