DICID organizes a cultural salon, on the occasion of the Doha International Book Fair (32)

14 Jun DICID organizes a cultural salon, on the occasion of the Doha International Book Fair (32)

On Monday, June 12, 2023, from 7 to 8 pm; Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue held a cultural salon entitled; “Prospects for spreading the culture of dialogue and strengthening the alliance of civilizations in the State of Qatar.”

DICID organized this Cultural Salon on the occasion of the 32nd edition of the Doha International Book Fair, and His Excellency Prof. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Naimi stated, “We are aware of the value of scientific gatherings and events that create opportunities for cultural mobility. Therefore, we spared no effort to host an important scientific and cultural activity, and we were keen to work with the main institutions of this initiative to form an effective partnership and contribute to the observance of “Iqraa – that means read!”. Our goal was also to highlight the embodiment of the best cultural models that show the virtue of knowledge and the status of those who carry it and show people the way by passing on what they have learned, acquired, and achieved. I think we were successful with the choice of theme, organization, and partners.”

It is worth noting that the Doha International Book Fair is one of the most significant cultural events, where intellectuals, readers, and writers take the opportunity to exchange knowledge, learn about new books and work on procuring books.

“This scientific event, within the framework of this cultural meeting, aims to take the opportunity to highlight the main issues related to local contributions and international cooperation in the field of dialogue and alliance of civilizations. The goal is to raise awareness of its concepts and initiatives, highlight its anchors, and define its themes, involving a number of local institutions such as the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations, the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Qatar University, and the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, “said Prof. Al-Naimi.

DICID was eager to have a group of professionals and collaborators directly related to the subject area of this Cultural Salon. Therefore, the following scientific personalities were invited to participate in the event:
His Excellency Ambassador Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Sada, Ambassador at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Secretary of the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations. As well as Prof. Abdul Qadir Bakhoush – Head of the Department of Theology and Da’wah at the College of Shariah and Islamic Studies, Qatar University. Prof. Ibrahim Mohamed Zain, Professor of Islamic Studies and Comparative Religion at the College of Islamic Studies, HBKU, also participated. Prof. Nowzad Abdul Rahman Al-Hiti also participated. He is a Senior Consultant at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a professor of political economy at the Diplomatic Institute, and a member of the secretariat of the Qatar Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations.

The event was moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Sekou Marafa Touré; a Senior Researcher at the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue. He began his speech by welcoming the participants and thanking all those who contributed to making the Cultural Salon happen, starting with the exhibition management, Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue, the distinguished speakers and their renowned institutions. He then gave an overview of the universality of Islam and briefly reviewed the emergence of the terminology and concepts relevant to the event.

The discussion at the Cultural Salon revolved around three main themes, which are detailed below.
The first theme dealt with the nature of dialogue and the alliance of civilizations at the local and global levels, their applications, and their historical roots.

His Excellency Ambassador Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Sada spoke about the dialogue and alliance of civilizations at the local level and explained the mission and objectives of the Qatar Alliance of Civilizations Committee. Prof. Nowzad Abdul Rahman Al-Hiti spoke about the dialogue and alliance of civilizations at the global level and explained the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations initiative: Origins, Goals and Institutional Framework. Prof. Abdul Qadir Bakhoush spoke about the local application model and the program of religions and dialogue of civilizations launched by the College of Sharia at Qatar University. Prof. Ibrahim Mohamed Zein spoke about the historical roots of pacts and treaties in Islamic history.
The second theme of the session addressed thematic values among people as a central call for dialogue and alliance: models for local and global initiatives.

Prof. Ibrahim Mohamed Zein highlighted the values contained in treaties of alliance and dialogue in Islamic history. His Excellency Ambassador Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Sada spoke about the model of an initiative to disseminate and implement these values at the local level and mentioned the programs, initiatives, and activities of the Qatari Committee for the Alliance of Civilizations. Prof. Abdul Qadir Bakhoush added another local model by introducing a new course on the Alliance of Civilizations at the university level. Prof. Nowzad Abdul Rahman Al-Hiti spoke about the model of an initiative to disseminate and implement these values at the global level and explained the United Nations programs and initiatives for the Alliance of Civilizations.

The third theme of the session focused on dialogue and the alliance of civilizations: Projects and Plans.
Prof. Nowzad Abdul Rahman Al-Hiti spoke about the Global Forums of the Alliance of Civilizations. HE Ambassador Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Sada explained the State of Qatar’s plan for the Alliance of Civilizations. Prof. Abdul Qadir Bakhoush reported on the ISESCO Chair for the Dialogue of Civilizations at Qatar University. Prof. Ibrahim Mohamed Zein’s contribution dealt with the forms of activating the values of the alliance and the dialogue treaties in Islamic history in our contemporary world in order to achieve the meanings of dialogue and the alliance of civilizations.

At the end of the Cultural Salon, the moderator, Associate Professor Dr. Sekou Marafa Touré, thanked the exhibition management, the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue, the distinguished speakers and their institutions, and all participants.