Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) [to 16 May 2015]
http://www.oic-oci.org/oicv2/news/
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The Secretary General speaks about the realities of the Muslim world at the Arab Media Forum in Dubai
The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Ameen Madani, spoke at the opening session of the Arab Media Forum in Dubai about the realities of the Muslim world at this critical stage of its history, where he stressed that Muslims are in need more than ever to form a new mechanism for predicting political crises before they occur and inflate. He also stressed that Muslims need to know each other more and not be mollified with rhetoric of belonging to the same identity and civilization.

Madani said that the Muslim world is facing major challenges some of which originate from inside, pointing to the importance of identifying the roots and background that led to the stereotyping of Muslims in the world and to counter that. He added that Muslims share a common identity and civilization over the centuries but this cultural reservoir is being subjected today to destruction and defamation internally and externally. Madani also stressed on the importance of having a discourse on human rights from an Islamic perspective, and that freedom of expression does not mean assaulting a religion, mocking it or defaming it, rather there should be clear boundaries that guarantee a reasonable definition for freedom of expression. The Secretary General pointed out that marginalizing groups whether based on their race, religion or any other basis leads to violence, and he called on the Muslim societies to open the doors and windows of hope for the new generation to inspire them with optimism and instill confidence in them so that they don’t fall victims to terrorism. He said that giving attention to the youth should be through raising the value of education and knowledge and employing advanced technology, which will be the topic of the Islamic Summit for Science and Technology to be held this year.

During the dialogue session with the Secretary General, following the opening session, and held under the title “Stereotypes: Islam and Muslims”, Madani dismissed undermining the role of the media and said that it is not a game but a form of political capabilities. He refused the use of religion or sect as a tool for expansion and interference in the affairs of another country. Madani said that the region needs a new paradigm that removes the reasons for discord among its countries and search for commonalities and consider common interests. He called for avoiding the fall into believing the stereotype drawn by the West of the Muslim world as stagnant and to refute this image, especially that Muslims are a people of civilization and their societies are rich with ideas and initiatives. He also called to not limit the Muslim world to one region…
14/05/2015