DICID Organizes Symposium on Role of Interfaith Dialogue in Building Trust among Multicultural Societies

Doha, March 30 (QNA) - Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) held today a symposium on the role of interfaith dialogue in building trust among multicultural societies, in cooperation with the US Embassy in Doha and Katara Public Diplomacy Centre, in the presence of an elite of researchers and those interested in interfaith dialogue and international relations. The symposium was organized in the frameworks of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States of America. Discussions in the symposium centered on three main topics related to the role of religions in contemporary relations; the role of interfaith dialogue and awareness-raising as means to counter violent extremism; and peace and reconciliation through interfaith dialogue. Dr. Aisha Yousef Al Mannai, the Director of Muhammad Bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilization at the College of Islamic Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and DICID Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Directors, said in a statement that the symposium comes within the framework of the Centers efforts to raise many issues related to dialogue since its establishment in 2007, whether those related to dialogue between followers of religions or between civilizations and cultures, in line with the directions of the State of Qatar and Its National Vision 2030. Dr. Aisha Al Mannai highlighted the role of dialogue in addressing contemporary challenges and problems facing humanity, such as wars, crises, migration, asylum, violence, and extremism; as well as its role in promoting coexistence and communication between different religions, civilizations and cultures, especially in this era with the tremendous development of communication technologies that require, as a necessity, understanding the other. She added that dialogue plays an important role in building societies based on mutual respect and coexistence, regardless of cultures and ethnicities, pointing in this context to the principles of Islam that promoted the values of peace, tolerance and coexistence among human beings. For his Part, HE Acting Deputy Chief of the US Mission Michael Schreuder highlighted the importance of dialogue in promoting peace and stability, noting that the crises in some regions of the world are the result of the failure of dialogue. He stressed the importance of interfaith dialogue in enhancing understanding between followers of religions and cultures, preserving diversity, and sharing values; calling for greater effort to understand the other through dialogue that is clear and rich in ideas, and held an atmosphere of trust and humility. The symposium hosted interim dean of Georgetown University in Qatar Dr. Clyde Wilcox; Assistant Professor of American Studies and Comparative Literature at Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Dr. Eid Ahmed Mohamed; and Associate Professor at Northwestern University in Qatar Dr. Zachary Valentine Wright. (QNA)