DICID participates in the International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for All in London

07 Jul DICID participates in the International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for All in London

The International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for All began on Tuesday morning July 5 at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC) in London. The conference is taking place for two days, July 5 and 6, 2022, and is hosted by the UK government. The event builds on previous Ministerial-level conferences held by the United States in 2018 and 2019 and in virtual format by Poland in 2020.

The ceremony began with an opening speech by Charles, Prince of Wales, heir apparent to the British throne (via video), followed by a speech by Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (via video). This was followed by the speech of Lord Ahmed, who is responsible for organizing the conference. Many other notable figures spoke at the opening ceremony, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, a number of representatives of various religions, and the British Foreign Secretary Mary Elizabeth Truss (Liz Truss).

All speakers at the opening ceremony emphasized religious freedom and the need to exercise it at all levels. The delegations of the State of Qatar at the conference are His Excellency Prof. Ibrahim Al-Naimi, Chairman of DICID, and Mr. Mohammed Al-Jabir Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in London.

The event calls for strengthened global action on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all. Speaking about the importance of attending the conference, Prof. Ibrahim said, “It is necessary for DICID to be part of this global gathering that brings together governments, parliamentarians, faith and belief representatives, and civil society to push for strengthened global action on freedom of religion or belief for all. For DICID has proven to the world the great role that the State of Qatar, represented in DICID, plays in spreading the culture of religious freedom.”

Commenting on DICID’s contribution to the conference, Prof. Ibrahim said, “The importance of this unique global event is not only to follow the latest reports from researchers, human rights organizations and other experts and leaders on this important issue, but also to share ideas and best possible actions to strengthen international efforts to ensure freedom of religion or belief, and to develop clear plans, strategies, and roadmaps.”.

Furthermore, DICID’s contributions to the conference included shedding light on the need to take into account the nature of local cultures and the nature of the teachings and instructions of traditional religions themselves as we work to ensure their freedom, Prof. Ibrahim said, “We discussed several relevant issues related to religious freedom at the conference, including the means to prevent religious freedom violations and abuses. We identified ways to protect and promote religious freedom around the world without forgetting the rights of local people to maintain their belief system and practice their religion as they are required to do according to the teachings of different religious traditions.

Lastly, Prof. Ibrahim said, “DICID looks forward to expanding the scope of its partnerships and making further efforts in collaboration with relevant organizations to create the broadest possible alliance to consolidate the issue of religious freedom. We will continue to work to achieve our goals and explore opportunities to apply new knowledge and approaches. We will also inspire the next generation to champion and defend freedom of religion or belief across the world”.