Post by : Bianca
Haleem
The State of Qatar is taking part in the Second International Conference to Combat Discrimination Against Islam and Muslims, which opened on Monday at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo.
The two-day conference is being held under the theme "Islamophobia: Concept and Practice in the Current Global Context." It brings together governments, international and regional organizations, civil society groups, and youth representatives to discuss ways to address discrimination against Islam and Muslims.
Qatar Delegation Represents the Country
Qatar is represented at the conference by Dr. Yousef Al Siddiqi, Member of the Board of Directors of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID), and Amna Abdulrahman Al Sulaiti from Qatar's Permanent Mission to the Arab League.
Their participation reflects Qatar's engagement in international discussions focused on dialogue, tolerance, and combating religious discrimination.
Key Topics Focus on Tolerance and Combating Hate Speech
The conference agenda covers several major topics aimed at addressing Islamophobia in today's global environment.
Discussions include the role of religious institutions and Islamic centers in promoting moderate religious discourse, along with national, regional, and international best practices for tackling hate speech.
Participants are also examining how educational institutions can encourage tolerance, acceptance of others, and respect for diversity. Another important focus is the contribution of civil society organizations in reducing discrimination against Islam and Muslims.
Youth and Dialogue Take Center Stage
One of the conference's priorities is empowering young people to promote coexistence, mutual respect, and peaceful dialogue among different cultures and religions.
The event has brought together stakeholders involved in intercultural and interfaith dialogue to strengthen cooperation and encourage greater understanding across communities.
New Platform to Strengthen Global Cooperation
The conference agenda also includes the inaugural meeting of a permanent multilateral institutional platform dedicated to combating discrimination against Islam and Muslims.
The platform aims to improve coordination among regional and international institutions while transforming the conference's recommendations into practical programs and initiatives designed to reduce hate speech and promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Dr. Al Siddiqi Highlights Importance of Shared Understanding
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Yousef Al Siddiqi described the conference as an important opportunity to bring people together, exchange views, and directly communicate perspectives.
He said such gatherings help strengthen mutual understanding and improve the perception of Islam and Muslims. He added that rapid technological development and the growth of social media have made it increasingly important to present the true image of Islam to European societies and other communities while encouraging better understanding between people.
DICID's Ongoing Role in Interfaith Dialogue
Dr. Al Siddiqi also highlighted the work of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue, noting that the organization regularly hosts conferences focused on interfaith engagement and evaluates experiences in this field.
He further emphasized Qatar's commitment to Islamic studies through a scientific and values-based approach.
Conference Builds on Earlier Recommendations
The conference is being held as part of implementing the recommendations of the first International Conference on Combating Islamophobia, which was organized through cooperation between the General Secretariat of the Arab League and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).
Those recommendations called for stronger regional and international cooperation to combat all forms of hate and religious discrimination while promoting dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and respect for cultural and religious diversity.
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