Political and religious leaders in Cote d’Ivoire have convened a National Reconciliation Forum, a two-month long conference that will focus on the country’s continuing social and economic problems.

Pastor Samuel Ouadjo, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cote d’Ivoire, was invited to address the forum. In his speech, Ouadjo explored the Adventist message of Christian living, saying that the golden rule—“Do to others what you would have them do to you”—is an important part of a peaceful society.

Ouadjo also spoke about the importance of forgiveness, citing examples where Jesus forgave not only those who asked for forgiveness, but also those who did not. “Overcome evil through the search for good,” Ouadjo urged Ivorian leaders.

Ouadjo thanked the country’s leaders for recognizing the five-day work week, which allows Adventists and others to observe their Sabbath, or Saturday, as a day of rest. This is a step forward, he said, yet action still needs to be taken to help Adventist students who continue to have official exams scheduled on Sabbath.

The forum, which began October 9, will run through December 10. Authorities hope the unprecedented gathering will help find solutions to recent civil unrest, land conflict, and economic concerns.