Sharjah University Joins UNESCO Conference on Knowledge Exchange

The Sharjah International Foundation for the History of Arab and Muslim Sciences (SIFHAMS) at the University of Sharjah participated in the third International Conference of the UNESCO Chair. The event took place at Ibn Haldun University in Istanbul and focused on global knowledge exchange. Scholars from different countries gathered to discuss how ideas and scientific knowledge moved between the Islamic world and Latin America.

The conference was titled “Transcontinental Exchange of Knowledge and Building Scientific Bridges between the Islamic World and Latin America.” It was organized jointly by Ibn Haldun University’s Alliance of Civilisations Institute, SIFHAMS, and the UNESCO Chair at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). The event aimed to explore historical connections and encourage collaboration in science, culture, and education.

In his keynote speech, Prof. Mesut Idriz, Director of SIFHAMS, highlighted the historical pathways through which knowledge flowed from the Islamic world to Latin America. He spoke about the scientific achievements of Al-Andalus and the contributions of Muslim navigators in early mapping and seafaring. Prof. Idriz emphasized the global impact of these developments on world history and called for recognition of the Muslim influence in the “discovery of the New World.”

Prof. Idriz urged institutions to support joint research projects and create platforms for young scholars from both regions. He highlighted areas such as the humanities, digitization of heritage, and cultural preservation as important fields for collaboration. By sharing knowledge and expertise, scholars can strengthen scientific and cultural ties between the Islamic world and Latin America.

Researchers from the University of Sharjah presented studies on digital heritage preservation, scientific diplomacy, intercultural dialogue, and astronomy. These presentations highlighted the university’s active role in promoting knowledge exchange and fostering international collaboratioProf. Jairo Lugo-Ocando, Dean of the College of Communication, and Prof. Nadia Al Hosani, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design, moderated several sessions during the conference. They guided discussions on topics such as the role of scholarships and knowledge-sharing in enhancing scientific and cultural engagement.

Prof. Idriz chaired a session called “Entangled Histories: Islamic-Latin Encounters and Cross-Continental Knowledge Flows.” This session explored cultural and economic exchanges between the Islamic world and Latin America. Scholars discussed how these interactions shaped relations, influenced scientific development, and left a lasting cultural impact.

The conference served as a platform for building stronger ties between scholars from different regions. It encouraged research collaboration, promoted cultural understanding, and highlighted the shared history between the Islamic world and Latin America. The University of Sharjah’s participation reinforced its commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering international partnerships in science, heritage, and education.