Freetown: In an enduring tradition of religious harmony, the Ministry of Social Welfare, in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, convened an Inter-Religious National Conversation and Communique Signing at the Miatta Civic Centre. This event aimed to provide a formal institutional boost to the nation's commitment to peace and unity. According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the gathering united an assembly of faith leaders who deliberated on reaffirming their collective commitment to preserving peace, unity, and cohesion within their congregations and across the nation. Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, expressed appreciation to the religious leaders for their swift response to the call for dialogue. She highlighted Sierra Leone's legacy of religious tolerance, where Muslims, Christians, and adherents of other faiths have coexisted across generations, fostering unity and mutual respect. Minister Karminty emphasized that the Ministry recogn izes faith institutions as pivotal in shaping national values and guiding communities. She announced the development of a comprehensive policy on religious tolerance and practices. The policy aims to strengthen interfaith cooperation and provide guidance for religious institutions, government agencies, and communities on safeguarding harmony and national unity. Dr. Ahmed Sannoh, Deputy National Security Coordinator of the Office of National Security, lauded the collaborative efforts of the two ministries in convening the dialogue. He noted Sierra Leone's recognition as the second most peaceful nation in West Africa, attributing this status to sustained stability and events such as this that reinforce social cohesion. Dr. Sannoh called on religious leaders to preach peace and abstain from hate speech and misinformation, highlighting three pillars for sustained harmony: adherence to early warning mechanisms, strategic communication, and a whole-of-community approach. The forum provided a platform for religiou s leaders to engage in a national conversation on preserving harmony and preventing religious division. The event culminated in the formal signing of a communique, read by Minister Karminty, through which leaders from across Sierra Leone's faith traditions renewed their commitment to unity, peace, and peaceful coexistence.