#Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali:
-Religion is not just a system of belief, but a form of soft power that contributes to achieving security, stability, and peace
-The world needs to consolidate the concepts of religious moderation, centrism, rationalism, and respect for humanity
-TRENDS believes that building proper awareness must be based on knowledge, which forms the basis for immunizing societies
TRENDS Research & Advisory participated as a Research Partner in the 6th International Conference – Spiritual Silk Road: The Role of Moral Values in Bridging Nations and Continents. The conference was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from September 4-5, with the participation of an elite group of scholars, thinkers, and religious leaders worldwide.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, participated in the conference’s discussion sessions. He delivered a keynote speech stating that the conference has become an essential platform for dialogue, acquaintance among people of diverse cultures and religions, and discussion of religious developments. The conference serves as a gateway to promoting the values of coexistence and tolerance, which are the fundamental pillars for fostering cooperation and prosperity at both the national and international levels.
Dr. Al-Ali stated that all religions, without exception, call for coexistence and tolerance among their followers and other sects, religions, and ethnic groups. All religions affirm human dignity, the right to difference, and the necessity of ensuring justice and mercy for all, without discrimination. Throughout history, human societies have demonstrated exemplary models of pluralism, which have served as sources of enrichment rather than division and contributed to developing inclusive civilizations.
Extremist Ideologies
Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali pointed out that diversity can be a source of strength when it is built on respect, integration, and dialogue. Religion is not just a system of belief, but also a soft power that contributes toward achieving security and stability and promoting peace within and between countries. When religious values are present in discourse and practice, coexistence becomes more deeply rooted, and cooperation becomes more effective.
He explained that extremism and radicalization are society’s most significant challenges. The problem does not lie in religions and their teachings, but rather in those who attempt to reinterpret tolerant religious values based on extremist visions and ideologies that are far removed from the true and lofty purposes of religion. He added that the world needs to promote the concepts of religious moderation, centrism, rationality, and respect for human beings, and these concepts must be conveyed to young people in clear and contemporary language through solid educational and intellectual methods.
Establishing Dialogue and Understanding
TRENDS’s CEO confirmed significant initiatives, intellectual efforts, and religious endeavors to establish dialogue and understanding between religions. These have been undertaken to consolidate the values of coexistence and tolerance in diverse societies. The latest and most important of these initiatives is the adoption of the Document on Human Fraternity, sponsored by the UAE, which hosted the signing ceremony between His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis. The date of the document’s signing was designated as the International Day of Human Fraternity.
Undoubtedly, the lofty principles in this document serve as a foundation for broader international dialogue among all religions, consolidating the values of tolerance and peace while rejecting extremist and terrorist discourse.
Promoting a Culture of Tolerance
Dr. Al-Ali explained that TRENDS Research & Advisory pays great attention to these issues and continuously works to correct misconceptions, promote a culture of tolerance, and combat extremism in all its forms through scientific studies, intellectual initiatives, and cooperation with international institutions concerned with peace and development. He added that the center believes that building proper awareness must be based on knowledge, which forms the basis for immunizing societies and enhancing their stability.
He stressed the importance of promoting a correct understanding of Islam among young people to protect them from falling into the trap of extremist ideology and enable them to engage consciously with the world around them, relying on a rich legacy of tolerance, openness, and knowledge. He further emphasized the importance of methodological and applied research, grounded in scientific inquiry, for studying human heritage and religious culture. Such research strengthens mutual understanding among people and enables a re-examination of history and heritage with a vision that contributes to building a shared future.
Supporting Intellectual Dialogue
In a related context, TRENDS participated in the exhibition accompanying the conference, presenting a selection of its most prominent research and knowledge publications. In addition, the TRENDS research team, which participated in the VI International Conference, “Spiritual Silk Road: The Role of Moral Values in Bridging Nations and Continents,” discussed ways to enhance research and knowledge cooperation and partnerships that support global intellectual dialogue with several prominent figures and thinkers at the conference.
