Qatar Participates in Second International Conference Against Discrimination of Islam and Muslims

Qatar participated in the Second International Conference to Combat Discrimination Against Islam and Muslims, which commenced today at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Arab League in Cairo. The conference operates under the theme, “Islamophobia: Concept and Practice in Current Global Conditions.” Representing Qatar at the conference were Dr. Yousef Al-Siddiqi, Board Member of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue, and Ms. Amna Abdulrahman Al-Sulaiti from the Permanent Delegation of the State of Qatar to the League of Arab States.

The two-day conference is discussing several key topics, including the role of religious institutions and Islamic centers in consolidating moderate religious discourse, and best national, regional, and international practices for confronting hate speech. It also addresses the role of educational institutions in promoting values of tolerance and acceptance of others, in addition to the role of civil society organizations in combating discrimination against Islam and Muslims, and empowering youth to contribute to spreading a culture of coexistence and mutual respect. Participants include entities concerned with dialogue among civilizations and religious tolerance, from governments, international, regional, and national organizations, as well as civil society institutions and youth.

The conference agenda also features the first meeting of the Permanent Multilateral Institutional Platform to Combat Discrimination Against Islam and Muslims. This platform aims to enhance coordination and cooperation mechanisms between regional and international institutions and translate the recommendations of the first conference into practical programs and initiatives that contribute to reducing hate speech and consolidating the values of dialogue and common living.

In statements to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Yousef Al-Siddiqi said that the conference is an important gathering as it provides an opportunity to meet and listen to others and convey messages directly. This contributes to enhancing mutual understanding and correcting the image of Islam and Muslims. He pointed out that the significant development in technology and social media has made the world resemble a small village, which necessitates the importance of conveying the correct and true image of the Islamic religion to European and other societies, and promoting mutual understanding on sound foundations. He also noted that the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue plays an important role through holding a periodic conference that addresses dialogue among followers of religions and evaluates experiences in this field, affirming Qatar's interest in Islamic studies according to a scientific and ethical methodology.

The conference is being held within the framework of implementing the recommendations of the First International Conference to Combat Islamophobia, which was held in cooperation and coordination between the General Secretariat of the Arab League and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). This aims to unify regional and international efforts to confront all forms of hatred and religious discrimination, and to promote a culture of dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and respect for cultural and religious diversity.