Doha, Qatar - Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Doha hosted the second international conference on religious freedom and peace. The three-day event, themed "From Religious Freedom to Religious Responsibility: Building Peace in a World of Contradictions," gathered religious scholars, academics, thought leaders, and policymakers from across the globe.
سعادة السيدة مريم بنت علي بن ناصر المسند, Minister of State for International Cooperation, emphasized the importance of this conference, given the global challenges that threaten the stability and security of societies. She noted that this event builds upon the efforts of the first conference held two years prior, aiming to unite people of thought, opinion, policy, and action in finding solutions to pressing global issues.
The conference addressed global issues and intellectual and military conflicts, emphasizing that the dangers of these conflicts pose a source of concern and instability for the entire world. It highlighted that today's conflicts have become more complex than before, with the risks of these conflicts now affecting countries near and far, making confrontation a shared responsibility.
The Minister of State for International Cooperation stated that this conference is unique among those hosted by Doha, as Qatar always strives to present ideas that begin with building people and ensuring their rights guaranteed by all religions and international conventions.
She also pointed out the extensive international and regional participation in the conference, which provides a valuable opportunity to meet distinguished religious leaders, thinkers, and academics from various parts of the world. This reflects Qatar's commitment to its distinguished position, emphasizing its firm stance in advocating for peace and achieving reconciliation among conflicting parties in all areas of the world. She stressed the importance of communication, dialogue, and providing its means and tools in all its forms and levels for everyone without exception, believing in "what they aspire to in finding solutions to stop the conflict and develop for that."
سعادة السيدة مريم بنت علي بن ناصر المسند also noted that Qatar has included in this edition workshops and work sessions related to the intellectual and advisory aspect, including dialogue between religions and dialogue of civilizations, considering the large and wide presence for the conference a guarantee from the participants and their deep faith in their religious and human principles, and their role and the responsibility they bear on their shoulders to convey the message of love and peace to the world as a whole.
سعادة السيدة مريم بنت علي بن ناصر المسند expressed her wishes for the participants in the conference to emerge with useful results that will help everyone to continue the path of solidarity and continuous cooperation from the standpoint of building true peace in this conflicting world - stressing on the importance of studying the key topics presented to follow up on the recommendations that will result from the dialogue sessions to achieve the desired goals that everyone aspires to.
This conference builds upon the success of the previous edition held in May 2023 under the title "From Religious Freedom to Religious Responsibility: Towards Building Communities of Reconciliation and Integration." It takes a crucial step towards strengthening the concept of religious responsibility in achieving peace, especially in light of current global challenges.
The conference also reflects the role of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue and Qatar's vision in promoting dialogue and understanding, especially in times when humanity faces unprecedented challenges. This contributes to the commitment to strengthening dialogue, coexistence, and mutual respect.
Participants emphasized the shared role of religious communities in building peace and promoting values of understanding and tolerance in a world witnessing increasing tensions. The role of religions in resolving conflicts, promoting peace, and highlighting the role of humanitarian organizations in this field was also highlighted.
The participants called for strengthening joint action among religious communities in building peace and promoting values of understanding and tolerance in a world witnessing increasing tensions. They also highlighted the role of religions in resolving conflicts, promoting peace, and highlighting the role of humanitarian organizations in this field.