Qatar Hosts Seminar on Human Values and Civilizational Challenges
Doha, February 20, 2025 — The Ministry of Culture (MOC) of Qatar, in collaboration with Qatar University, convened a seminar on February 19, focusing on human values and the challenges facing contemporary civilizational relations. This event is part of the 4th Seminar Season and attracted a diverse audience of intellectuals, academics, and students.
Seminar Objectives and Moderation
Nasser Al Malki, Head of Public Relations at the Ministry of Culture, moderated the seminar. He emphasized its significance in presenting scholarly proposals to identify challenges in modern civilizational relations, particularly the role of human values in fostering understanding and coexistence among nations.
Key Discussions and Speakers
- Dialogue Between North and South: Challenges and OpportunitiesDr. Muhammad Amziane, a professor at Qatar University’s College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, addressed the complexities of understanding Western political and ideological orientations and their impact on relations with other civilizations. He highlighted that the West is not a monolithic entity and urged for investment in dialogues that build bridges with humanitarian advocates. Dr. Amziane noted a shift in perspectives following recent global events, with younger generations showing increased empathy towards humanitarian issues, contrasting with traditional media narratives.
- Ethical Dimensions in International RelationsDr. Abdul Qader Gedi explored the role of ethics in international relations from an Islamic jurisprudential perspective. He discussed the integration of ethical values into contemporary civilizational interactions and examined the Western concept of the state alongside the challenges of upholding ethical standards in global affairs.
- Foundations of Human Values in IslamDr. Omar Al Khatib delved into how Islam establishes human values, transitioning from national to civilizational contexts. He emphasized the development of values within Islam and their relevance in addressing modern civilizational challenges. Dr. Al Khatib underscored the monotheistic foundation of human unity, highlighting Islam’s emphasis on social justice and equality, where distinctions are based solely on piety and righteous actions.
- Comparative Perspectives on Human Values in ReligionsDr. Alaa Hilat offered a comparative analysis of human values across various religions and their impact on addressing contemporary civilizational challenges. He argued that Islam provides a balanced perspective on human relationships with the world, noting that while different religions offer varied viewpoints, Islam uniquely offers a harmonious relationship between humans and the universe.
Continuing the Dialogue
The 4th Seminar Season is set to continue until February 25, featuring collaborations with Qatar University and the Arab Center for Research and Studies. The series will include contributions from esteemed experts, intellectuals, thinkers, and academics from Qatar and beyond, aiming to deepen the discourse on human values and civilizational challenges.
Contextual Background
This seminar builds upon Qatar’s ongoing efforts to engage in meaningful dialogues about the role of human values in global interactions. Previous events, such as the seminar on “The Melting of Civilisations” during the 32nd Doha International Book Fair in June 2023, have addressed similar themes. Discussions during that event centered on the importance of adhering to Arab, religious, moral, and heritage values while engaging with other civilizations.
Additionally, in September 2023, the Ministry of Culture organized a symposium titled “The Impact of Islamic Civilization on Humanity,” coinciding with Qatar’s hosting of the 12th Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World. This symposium examined the reasons behind the historical leadership of Islamic culture and explored obstacles hindering its effective contribution to modern human renaissance and global cultural renewal.
Implications for Future Civilizational Relations
The insights from these seminars underscore Qatar’s commitment to fostering dialogues that bridge cultural and civilizational divides. By focusing on the foundational role of human values, these discussions aim to promote mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation among diverse cultures. The emphasis on ethical dimensions, balanced perspectives, and the recognition of shared human experiences serves as a blueprint for addressing contemporary global challenges collaboratively.
As the Seminar Season progresses, it is anticipated that the continued exchange of ideas will contribute to actionable strategies that uphold human dignity and facilitate harmonious coexistence in an increasingly interconnected world.
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