Cairo: The State of Qatar has actively participated in the Second International Conference to Combat Discrimination Against Islam and Muslims, which commenced at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo. The conference operates under the theme "Islamophobia: Concept and Practice in the Current Global Context."
According to Qatar News Agency, Qatar was represented by Dr. Yousef Al Siddiqi from the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) and Amna Abdulrahman Al Sulaiti from Qatar's Permanent Mission to the Arab League. The two-day event aims to address key topics, including the role of religious institutions and Islamic centers in promoting moderate religious rhetoric, and the examination of best practices to combat hate speech on national, regional, and global levels.
The conference also focuses on the contributions of educational entities in fostering tolerance and acceptance, while highlighting the importance of civil society institutions in addressing discrimination against Islam and Muslims. A significant part of the event is dedicated to empowering youth to disseminate a culture of coexistence and mutual respect, engaging governments, international bodies, and civil society groups in dialogue about religious tolerance.
The program features the inaugural meeting of a permanent multilateral platform designed to enhance coordination among regional and international bodies. This platform aims to transform conference recommendations into actionable programs to counter hate speech and promote dialogue and coexistence.
Dr. Al Siddiqi, speaking to Qatar News Agency, emphasized the significance of the conference in providing a platform for dialogue and conveying the true image of Islam. He remarked that technological advances and social media have necessitated the accurate portrayal of Islam to global audiences, particularly in Europe, to foster understanding.
Al Siddiqi also noted DICID's role in organizing periodic conferences focused on interfaith dialogue and evaluating experiences within this realm. He reiterated Qatar's dedication to Islamic studies through a scientific and values-based approach.
This gathering follows the inaugural International Conference on Combating Islamophobia and is a collaborative effort between the Arab League and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The conference seeks to unify regional and global efforts against hate and religious discrimination while promoting dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and respect for cultural and religious diversity.