Nicosia, Cyprus: Qatar has emphasized that dialogue is a strategic necessity to strengthen social cohesion and reduce divisions rooted in religion, identity, and culture.
Speaking at a high-level conference on religious coexistence and diversity held in Nicosia, Dr. Ibrahim Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Board of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue, stressed that cohesive societies cannot be built through legislation alone.
He said that beyond public policy, countries must actively promote a culture of dialogue, mutual trust, and the empowerment of educational, religious, and community institutions to foster long-term social harmony.
Al Nuaimi highlighted Qatar’s ongoing efforts to advance interfaith and intercultural understanding through the center’s initiatives, including conferences, seminars, research programs, and international partnerships. These efforts, he noted, help reinforce shared citizenship, encourage peaceful coexistence, and promote diversity as a source of cultural and human development.
He also warned that rising challenges such as hate speech, extremism, and social polarization require coordinated action among governments, civil society, religious leaders, as well as educational and media institutions.
According to him, responsible dialogue, education, and awareness-raising remain essential tools for building resilient societies and safeguarding peace and stability.
The conference brought together policymakers, experts, and religious leaders from different countries to exchange best practices on managing diversity and strengthening social cohesion amid growing global concerns over polarization and hate speech.
