Doha - Media & Communication Department -  May 29, 2023

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a one-day policy roundtable to address the growing phenomenon of global Islamophobia that included more than 30 experts and policy makers from the GCC and experts from the United States, Europe and Asia.

The roundtable, organized by the Policy Planning department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed policy challenges and the initiation of new approaches for collective action and unity of purpose to address structural and institutional Islamophobia, narratives of anti-Muslim racism, as well as  disinformation in the media, and intersectional social attitudes. The event forms part of a wider global initiative from the State of Qatar to address global racism, including anti-Muslim hate and Islamophobia.

In her remarks in the closing session, Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Lolwah bint Rashid al Khater explained that in “the world today, malign Islamophobic discourse has reached dangerous levels. Islam and Muslims are being deliberately targeted…innocent people pay the price through displacement, war crimes and crimes against humanity.” and mentioned that the State of Qatar has made its position clear on many of these events and policies. Her Excellency reiterated the State of Qatar’s commitment to supporting initiatives that fight racism, including Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate, to better the lives of millions around the globe. Such initiatives include education, dialogue, and policies towards building better understanding and respect.

H.E Dr. Abdulaziz Aluwaisheg, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations, in his remarks in the opening session welcomed the roundtable and expressed the support of the GCC secretariat and the importance of holding this roundtable hosted by Qatar, as well as the importance of collective approaches to countering Islamophobia.

The opening remarks of H.E Dr Khalid Al Khater, Director of Policy Planning, stressed the importance of recognizing the “ scale of the issue that confronts us all and to think about how we respond” and that “There is no doubt that the formulation of new policy frames will significantly support joint efforts that work to counter the implications of this phenomenon (Islamophobia), uniting all fronts to counter the spread of disinformation, and spreading awareness through media, education, culture – as well as encouraging the respect of Islamic culture, beliefs and values.”

His Excellency highlighted that today the State of Qatar is known internationally as a strong advocate of anti-racism policies, and for its involvement in cooperation activities to end racism.