Beirut: The Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) participated virtually in the Beirut International Conference on Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue for Sustainability (BICIDS 2025). The Center’s participation came at the invitation of the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting a culture of dialogue and strengthening the State of Qatar’s role in supporting efforts aimed at establishing a culture of peace and fostering intellectual and spiritual security awareness.
According to Qatar News Agency, in his keynote speech, HE Chairman of DICID’s Board of Directors Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Naimi emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue in peacebuilding and sustainability. He highlighted its pivotal role in breaking down psychological barriers that restrict the will and choices of others, and in establishing solid foundations of communication and dialogue that build bridges of trust.
His Excellency also underlined the major role and responsibility of religious leaders and institutions, as they are key actors in promoting a culture of dialogue and encouraging coexistence, especially in multicultural and multi-faith societies. He noted that this can only be achieved through the activation of religious and moral values agreed upon by divine laws, to foster coexistence and good relations among people built upon security, justice, and fairness.
Dr. Al Naimi stressed that interfaith dialogue is one of the essential foundations for building peace, particularly under difficult and tragic circumstances, such as conflicts and wars, with the war on Gaza being a prominent example. He engaged in a discussion with Fr. Farid El Moujabber, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at USEK, about practical mechanisms to activate interfaith dialogue as a basis for peacebuilding and achieving sustainable development goals.
He emphasized the recognition of religious diversity as a source of enrichment, explaining that diversity enriches interfaith dialogue and deepens mutual understanding. He referred to a symposium organized by the Center in Beirut in 2009 in cooperation with the Syriac Church on religious, ethnic, and sectarian diversity in the Arab world.
Dr. Al Naimi pointed out that focusing on shared human values rather than differences is crucial for activating interfaith dialogue. He highlighted the development of permanent frameworks for interfaith dialogue and the importance of measuring the impact of such activities to ensure continuity and improvement.
Regarding sustainability, Dr. Al Naimi explained the growing importance of interfaith dialogue in social and economic aspects affecting people’s lives, including its contribution to environmental sustainability. He noted that religion establishes principles focusing on protecting the environment, promoting moderation, and responsible resource use.
HE emphasized that social and economic sustainability goals, such as combating poverty, promoting justice, and supporting education and health programs, are endorsed by all religions. He stressed that religion is a significant spiritual and intellectual force guiding people toward these values.
Dr. Al Naimi called for adherence to shared religious and moral values, noting that common values such as justice, compassion, and peace provide a foundation for addressing modern world challenges beyond political conflicts, extending to poverty and environmental degradation.
In conclusion, His Excellency emphasized DICID’s commitment to participating in Arab and international forums reflecting Qatar’s efforts to encourage dialogue and promote coexistence among cultures and religions. He stressed that such participation offers valuable opportunities to build bridges of cooperation among universities, DICID, religious leaders, dialogue centers, experts, specialists, and researchers in interfaith dialogue worldwide.