The address of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit,Secretary-General of the League of Arab States,Delivered on his behalf by His Excellency Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi,Assistant Secretary-General, head of the Media and Communication Sector,At the International Conference on Combating Islamophobia, held under the theme: "Islamophobia: Concept and Practice in the Current Global Context"
In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,
Your Excellency Dr. Amira Al-Fadil, Advisor to the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Dr. Salim bin Mohamed Al-Malik,
Your Excellency Dr. Salama Gomaa Daoud, President of Al-Azhar University,
Your Excellency Counsellor Bishoy Basil, Legal Advisor to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and General Coordinator of the Pontifical Technical Office,
Your Excellencies,
It is a pleasure to welcome you to the International Conference on Combating Islamophobia, held under the theme "Islamophobia: Concept and Practice in the Current Global Context."
At the outset, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation for their continued efforts in fostering cooperation and partnership among member states, and for their unwavering commitment to advancing the culture of dialogue, peace, and tolerance.
I also extend my deep appreciation to this distinguished and diverse gathering, which includes representatives at the governmental level, as well as participants from international and regional organisations, non-governmental organisations, academia, the expert community, and foreign embassies.
Distinguished Guests,
We convene today to address a pressing humanitarian and moral issue—one that touches the conscience of humanity and poses a genuine challenge to the values of coexistence, understanding, and mutual respect.
Islamophobia, which has grown increasingly widespread in recent years, has evolved into a dangerous phenomenon that can no longer be ignored or dismissed. It is imperative that we coordinate our efforts to highlight its dimensions, analyse its underlying causes, and seek clear, effective, and decisive solutions to confront it—and ultimately, to prevent it from taking root in the future.
It is no secret that the spread of Islamophobia is driven by a combination of political, social, and cultural factors, including weak legislation, the artificial association between terrorism and extremism, ignorance of Islamic teachings and values, media incitement, fear of the other, and concerns over national identity. These elements have contributed to the rise of anti-Muslim sentiment, the proliferation of preconceived notions and false stereotypes, and the widespread dissemination of hate speech and hostility.
Therefore, it is incumbent upon all of us—each from our respective roles—to confront this phenomenon with a heightened sense of shared responsibility, encompassing governments, international organisations, and civil society actors alike.
The United Nations has acknowledged the gravity of this issue by designating an International Day to Combat Islamophobia and adopting a resolution that includes a range of measures to address the phenomenon, notably the appointment of a UN Special Envoy. As a regional organisation operating under the umbrella of the United Nations, the League of Arab States has adopted several resolutions—both at the level of Arab summits and foreign ministers—condemning all forms of incitement to religious hatred, extremism, and terrorism.
Most recently, Resolution 9131, adopted by the 163rd session of the Council of Arab Foreign Ministers on 23 April 2025, titled "Tolerance, International Peace, and Security," expressed deep concern over the escalation of hate speech, intolerance, and discrimination based on religion or belief in all its forms, particularly those stemming from Islamophobia. Additional resolutions have been issued by specialised ministerial councils in support of these efforts.
To further strengthen this framework, the Department of Culture and Dialogue of Civilisations at the General Secretariat is currently working to update the Unified Arab Strategy for the Alliance of Civilisations for the period 2025–2030. This update will include a range of programmes and activities aimed at reinforcing the principles of tolerance. The League of Arab States is also an active member of the Group of Friends of the Alliance of Civilisations, which comprises 130 countries and 29 international organisations, and participated in the Tenth Global Forum of the Alliance, held last November in Portugal.
Dear Guests,
While confronting the challenge of curbing populist rhetoric and disgraceful practices that incite hatred towards Islam requires the strengthening of legal frameworks, there is also an urgent need to develop strategies in the fields of education, culture, and religious training. This includes ensuring appropriate academic preparation and proficiency in foreign languages—tools that will allow us to better communicate the tolerance inherent in our values and the nobility of our social traditions.
In this context, I wish to highlight the vital role played by both traditional and digital media in promoting the values of tolerance, pluralism, and acceptance of others, and in combating the phenomenon of Islamophobia. Biased media coverage that sensationalises mistakes, disseminates negative imagery, and fuels extremist discourse only exacerbates the situation. It encourages racist behaviour that may, in some cases, rise to the level of terrorism, posing a real threat to individuals and communities. These practices represent a grave violation of freedom of belief, the sanctity of religions, and the inviolability of places of worship and religious symbols.
In conclusion, I extend my best wishes for the success of your deliberations and look forward to constructive discussions that will result in practical recommendations aimed at strengthening the foundations of peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity.
May the peace and mercy of God be upon you.
