(MENAFN- Gulf Times) His Excellency Chairman of the Board of Directors of Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Naimi revealed that the Center will organize the 16th Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue - 2026 from April 21 to 23 under the theme "Religious Dialogue in the Digital Age: New Horizons for Peacebuilding."
In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr. Al Naimi said that driven by the urgent need to understand these transformations and harness them in the service of societal peace, Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue convenes this international conference as a scholarly and intellectual platform for the exchange of expertise and the formulation of innovative strategies that leverage digital capabilities to promote the values of dialogue, coexistence, and sustainable peace.
He explained that in an era defined by rapid technological transformation, digitalization has evolved beyond a mere technical tool to become a fully integrated environment that shapes human, cultural, and religious interactions. The digital sphere has created unprecedented opportunities for interfaith dialogue and rapprochement, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural barriers, he added, noting that however, this same environment has also introduced significant challenges, most notably, the rise of hate speech, the spread of misinformation, and the increasing prevalence of online extremism.
His Excellency pointed out that the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue seeks, in every conference, to address issues that affect society, as the goal is not merely to hold a dialogue between religious leaders on topics they may agree or disagree on, but to address issues that concern humanity, taking into account the perspectives of the three Abrahamic religions - Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. He referred to previous conferences organized by the Center under various themes, including hate speech, human rights, and family issues.
He emphasized that a critical issue shaping the future of humanity is the dramatic digital transformation, particularly the uses of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) across all fields, pointing out that religious dialogue must not ignore this major shift, as it represents a common language of the present era, especially among youth.
He added that for this reason, DICID has explored how to harness digital technology for religious dialogue, aiming to build and reinforce peace worldwide, adding that here has been significant readiness and engagement from the international community to discuss this vital topic, which is closely linked to the role of dialogue in building peace.
Regarding the goals of the 16th conference, Dr. Al Naimi said they include analyzing the impact of digitalization on the nature and tools of interfaith
dialogue, examining digital challenges and developing innovative solutions to address them, formulating policies and mechanisms to safeguard religious and cultural diversity in the digital environment, strengthening the role of religious, educational, and media institutions in keeping pace with digital changes, and mpowering youth and digital influencers to become peacebuilders in the
digital sphere.
He also noted that the conference will cover five key themes, including "The Impact of Digitalization on Interfaith Dialogue," which will examine the effects of digital technology transformations on interfaith communication and cultural convergence, challenges of online incitement and extremism versus opportunities for
bridge-building and understanding through digital platforms, the role of social media in shaping religious and cultural discourse and its influence on peacebuilding, leveraging digital media and social platforms to foster constructive religious dialogue, and the traditional methods of interfaith dialogue and their evolution in the contemporary digital environment, considering disparities in communities' access to technology.
The second theme titled "Building New Knowledge Systems for Peace," will focus on rethinking religious and cultural knowledge models to align with the digital communication environment, the contribution of digital knowledge to promoting tolerance and coexistence, strategies for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to support dialogue and peace, cybersecurity and the protection of interfaith dialogue platforms from misuse, and developing AI models to enhance interaction with religious texts, HE Dr. Al Naimi said.
The third theme, titled"Interfaith Dialogue as a Pillar of Sustainable Peace," HE pointed out will focus on sustaining religious and cultural values in a rapidly changing digital environment, protecting religious diversity and freedom in cyberspace through innovative policies and mechanisms, and the role of educational institutions and dialogue centers in cultivating the awareness of new generations to build peace through digitalization.
Fourth, he added, the theme will address "Digital Media and Shaping Institutional Awareness, as participants will discuss the contribution of digital media to shaping individuals' perceptions of other religions, successful online interfaith dialogue initiatives and platforms, the role of religious and educational institutions in employing technology to support and enhance a culture of dialogue, and cooperation between interfaith institutions to implement modern technological approaches.
The final theme, HE said, is "Youth and the Digital Age," in which participants will discuss engaging youth in fostering a culture of dialogue for active leadership in the digital sphere, harnessing digital tools to integrate values of dialogue and acceptance of others into educational curricula, developing digital platforms targeted toward youth engagement, and the role of digital influencers in promoting interfaith dialogue values among young people in online environments.
In response to a question about the connection between the dialogue conferences organized by the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue and the State of Qatar's policy of mediation, negotiation, and resolving conflicts by peaceful means, HE Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi affirmed that these efforts are an essential part of the Center's objectives, adding that they align with the State's approach in this regard and are consistent with its National Vision 2030 in helping others, removing obstacles to resolving their problems, and building sustainable peace.
His Excellency stressed in this context that religious dialogue is inseparable from political or economic dialogue, linking it to the vision of the State of Qatar.
He pointed out that previous interfaith dialogue conferences have left a significant legacy in terms of bringing people closer, fostering understanding, and clarifying perspectives among religious leaders and their followers. He noted that there were people and followers of various religions who came to them from several countries, and whose views and perspectives on building peace changed after they learned, through dialogue, about many activities and shared elements that bring them together.
Regarding the challenges and difficulties that may arise in achieving the goal of using modern technologies in dialogue and peacebuilding within the open digital space, His Excellency said that everything has its drawbacks. He added that when religious leaders and scholars meet with specialists in artificial intelligence and modern technologies, and discuss the various aspects related to the theme and subtopics of this conference, it will undoubtedly lead to greater clarity of vision for everyone and encourage them to use technology in ways that benefit humanity and enhance opportunities for building peace in the world.
His Excellency cited the war in Gaza and how the use of modern technological tools, including artificial intelligence, has greatly influenced youth communities and university students around the world, leading them to mobilize in support of the cause. He expressed his confidence that this digital transformation, and the development and improvement of artificial intelligence, will help remove barriers between religions and their followers and will undoubtedly become a powerful tool for building peace in many regions of the world.
He argued that digital media plays a better role than traditional media in peacebuilding, as it reaches people more quickly and spreads and influences communities more broadly. He noted that in this era, every individual can act as a media creator and establish a platform to express opinions both positive or negative. He called on religious leaders to be cautious and attentive to the content disseminated by some that deepens hatred, domination, and hegemony, and that distorts or falsifies facts to create division among their followers, within their communities, and with their neighbors, especially during times of war and conflict, thus preventing the building of strong relationships that lead to sustainable peace, growth, and economic prosperity.
Additionally, Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi revealed that the theme of the 6th Doha International Award for Interfaith Dialogue 2026 will be "Digital Creativity and Innovation in Religious Dialogue and Peacebuilding."
The Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue launched the Doha International Award for Interfaith Dialogue in 2013, with the aim of supporting and encouraging efforts, initiatives, and achievements of individuals and institutions that have a significant impact in promoting the principle of dialogue and consolidating a culture of peace. The Award is considered unique in this field at the global level.
He pointed out that the Center has dedicated the award of the 16th conference to individuals and religious institutions that are creative and active in the digital space, serving as influential role models whose digital platforms combine development, innovation, and creativity in the field of interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding. These platforms reflect excellence in the use of modern technologies to support religious dialogue, build more peaceful and cohesive societies, and promote intellectual awareness of the value of peace, its importance, and the need to pursue and facilitate its paths.
His Excellency explained that the individual awards for the sixth edition are divided into the Award for Creativity in Digital Interfaith Dialogue, the Award for Excellence in Digital Peacebuilding, and the Inspirational Digital Influencer Award. As for institutional awards, they include the Award for Best Digital Platform for Interfaith Dialogue and Peacebuilding, and the Award for Best Digital Channel or Application Supporting Religious Dialogue.
He added that the names of the winning institutions and individuals will be announced and presented during the conference's opening ceremony. It is expected that the relevant individuals and institutions, especially activists on social media engaged in interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, and digital transformation from various countries around the world, will participate.
The interfaith dialogue conferences organized by the Center have received wide regional and international engagement, as they address and cover various vital issues of concern to societies and to the followers of the three Abrahamic religions, in addition to building relationships, strengthening the spirit of understanding and consultation, and exchanging insights and ideas. This, in turn, helps overcome obstacles and challenges that hinder peaceful coexistence among religions, their followers, and cultures.
The Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue is considered the first of its kind in the Arab region, and it launched its conferences at a time when the nation and the world were in urgent need of dialogue. The State of Qatar felt its responsibility in this field, believing in the importance and the necessity of dialogue to enhance understanding, achieve coexistence, and build bonds among the followers of the Abrahamic religions.
There is no doubt that this active and multidimensional dialogue movement led by the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue reflects a deep belief in the value of dialogue as a civilizational Islamic principle that acknowledges diversity. This approach encourages looking to shared values and building upon them to overcome differences that lead to conflict and division.

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