INTERNATIONAL
Fostering coexistence in fractured world must start with the young - HCHF
Al-Ghaith argued forcefully that combating Islamophobia cannot rely solely on reactive outrage or symbolic condemnation.
BAKU: Against the backdrop of rising global intolerance and fractured world, leaders, scholars, and activists from 40 countries convened in Azerbaijan’s capital for the international conference themed “Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas.”
AI Brief
But amid the many speeches and debates, one message resonated with clarity — the fight against Islamophobia must begin where minds are shaped: in schools.
Secretary General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF), Dr. Khalid Al-Ghaith’s address anchored the conference’s spirit, pointing to Azerbaijan as a model for consistent and effective efforts in promoting multiculturalism and interfaith dialogue, especially in a global climate where polarisation and prejudice threaten social cohesion.
“By gathering at today’s international conference, we are not merely addressing a pressing issue but also reaffirming our shared duty to foster a world rooted in compassion, fairness, and mutual respect,” he said.
His remarks praised Azerbaijan’s integration of coexistence values into public policy, education, and diplomacy, calling it a template for others to follow.
Coexistence begins in classrooms
Al-Ghaith argued forcefully that combating Islamophobia cannot rely solely on reactive outrage or symbolic condemnation.
“Fostering coexistence must begin at the foundational level — within schools,” he said.
He advocated for the systematic integration of tolerance, fraternity, and coexistence into school curricula, educational content, and community awareness programs.
This emphasis on early education as a frontline against hate echoes HCHF’s wider mission is to advance human fraternity and peaceful cohabitation by building empathetic, informed societies.
Strategic prevention over reactive responses
Beyond the educational realm, Al-Ghaith called for strategic policy measures and national action plans in combating Islamophobia.
“Combating Islamophobia should not be confined to reactive responses. It must encompass preventive measures, educational initiatives, and sound policymaking,” he stated, urging governments and institutions to adopt dedicated programs that go beyond political cycles or temporary campaigns.
His statement comes at a time when Islamophobic sentiments — amplified by political rhetoric and digital misinformation — have seen an alarming 21% increase on social media platforms.
Global alliances against hate
Organized by the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre, the AIR Center, and the Baku Initiative Group, the conference drew participation from key international bodies including the OIC, ICESCO, the G20 Interfaith Forum, and the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue.
Discussions spanned topics from the weaponisation of identity to the role of digital platforms in perpetuating prejudice.
A call to action for a shared future
As the world marks the third anniversary of the UN-designated International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the Baku gathering signaled more than reflection; it issued a call to action.
Al-Ghaith’s words were not just a moral exhortation — they were a roadmap: embed tolerance in education, anchor coexistence in policy, and empower communities to lead with empathy.
If the goal is to build a world where all can live with dignity and without fear, then the path forward begins not just with global forums but with daily decisions in classrooms, parliaments, and public spaces.
Fostering coexistence in fractured world must start with the young. Fostering coexistence must begin at the foundational level — within schools - Dr. Khalid Al-Ghaith of HCHF.
Fostering coexistence and fraternity through shared humanity in navigating the power affairs: https://www.forhumanfraternity.org.
AI Brief
- Combating Islamophobia should begin with education by including values of tolerance and coexistence in school curricula.
- Governments must adopt long-term policies and preventive strategies, not just reactive responses, to address Islamophobia effectively.
- Global cooperation is crucial to fight rising hate and build a future based on mutual respect, dignity, and inclusiveness.
But amid the many speeches and debates, one message resonated with clarity — the fight against Islamophobia must begin where minds are shaped: in schools.
Secretary General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF), Dr. Khalid Al-Ghaith’s address anchored the conference’s spirit, pointing to Azerbaijan as a model for consistent and effective efforts in promoting multiculturalism and interfaith dialogue, especially in a global climate where polarisation and prejudice threaten social cohesion.
“By gathering at today’s international conference, we are not merely addressing a pressing issue but also reaffirming our shared duty to foster a world rooted in compassion, fairness, and mutual respect,” he said.
His remarks praised Azerbaijan’s integration of coexistence values into public policy, education, and diplomacy, calling it a template for others to follow.
Coexistence begins in classrooms
Al-Ghaith argued forcefully that combating Islamophobia cannot rely solely on reactive outrage or symbolic condemnation.
“Fostering coexistence must begin at the foundational level — within schools,” he said.
He advocated for the systematic integration of tolerance, fraternity, and coexistence into school curricula, educational content, and community awareness programs.
This emphasis on early education as a frontline against hate echoes HCHF’s wider mission is to advance human fraternity and peaceful cohabitation by building empathetic, informed societies.
Strategic prevention over reactive responses
Beyond the educational realm, Al-Ghaith called for strategic policy measures and national action plans in combating Islamophobia.
“Combating Islamophobia should not be confined to reactive responses. It must encompass preventive measures, educational initiatives, and sound policymaking,” he stated, urging governments and institutions to adopt dedicated programs that go beyond political cycles or temporary campaigns.
His statement comes at a time when Islamophobic sentiments — amplified by political rhetoric and digital misinformation — have seen an alarming 21% increase on social media platforms.
Global alliances against hate
Organized by the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre, the AIR Center, and the Baku Initiative Group, the conference drew participation from key international bodies including the OIC, ICESCO, the G20 Interfaith Forum, and the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue.
Discussions spanned topics from the weaponisation of identity to the role of digital platforms in perpetuating prejudice.
A call to action for a shared future
As the world marks the third anniversary of the UN-designated International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the Baku gathering signaled more than reflection; it issued a call to action.
Al-Ghaith’s words were not just a moral exhortation — they were a roadmap: embed tolerance in education, anchor coexistence in policy, and empower communities to lead with empathy.
If the goal is to build a world where all can live with dignity and without fear, then the path forward begins not just with global forums but with daily decisions in classrooms, parliaments, and public spaces.
Fostering coexistence in fractured world must start with the young. Fostering coexistence must begin at the foundational level — within schools - Dr. Khalid Al-Ghaith of HCHF.
Fostering coexistence and fraternity through shared humanity in navigating the power affairs: https://www.forhumanfraternity.org.