March 26, 2014
DOHA - The Peninsula

 

 

 

The Minister of Justice and Patron of the 11th Doha Interfaith Conference H E Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al Mohannadi addressing the opening session at the Marriott Hotel yesterday.   Salim Matramkot

 

 

 

The 11h Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue opened yesterday with a call to the youth to engage in dialogue on the religious diversity across the world. 

The three-day conference under the theme ‘Youth and enhancing the value of dialogue’ has brought together hundreds of delegates from 50 countries, including religious leaders, scholars and representatives of interfaith organizations.

The Minister of Justice and Patron of the conference H E Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al Mohannadi, in his inaugural address, stressed the role that could be played by the youth in honest and active interfaith dialogue in the world.

The opening session also saw the presentation of the second Doha International Award for Interfaith Dialogue, instituted by Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID), organizers of the conference.

Four awards were presented to two organizations and two individuals who played a significant role in promoting harmony among people from different religions. 

International Forum for Moderation, Jordan, Three Faith Forum, the UK, Mihay Flademeresco from Romania, and Rohania Sumhad Sumaina,  from the Philippines, were recognized for their role.

 The prize was allocated this year for work relating to youth in interfaith dialogue, successful projects accomplished in the field of activities related to dialogue among youth from different religions, the role of the youth in religious dialogue, the role of dialogue in strengthening the capacity of youth and directing their creative energies to build a humane society, spirit of love, tolerance and co-existence.

Professor Ibrahim Saleh Al Naimi, Chairman, DICID, Dr Mounir Tlili, Tunisian Minister of Religious Affairs, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and Catholic Archbishop,  Nigeria, also spoke.

Dr Aisha Yousef Al Mannai, Deputy Chairman, DICID, said healthy dialogue between youth will help stop bloodshed among humans. She stressed that the youth could play a role to stop media propaganda to create disharmony between people from different religions.

 

The forum will discuss religions perspectives on youth, opportunities and challenges facing them, interfaith dialogue for youth and their contributions.