Dushanbe (UNA) – The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan launched the International Conference/Cultural Activity of the OIC in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan on 12-13 September 2024 under the theme “The Role of Tajik Scholars and Intellectuals in the Development of Islamic Culture and Civilization”.
The two-day cultural and intellectual activity of the OIC, the first of its kind in the Central Asian region, was marked by a speech by Mr. Hussein Ibrahim Taha, Secretary General of the OIC, delivered on his behalf by Ambassador Tariq Ali Bakhit, Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian, Cultural, Social and Family Affairs. The opening session was addressed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, the Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and representatives of OIC institutions, especially ISESCO and IRCICA.
In his speech on behalf of the Secretary General, Ambassador Tariq Ali Bakhit stressed that one of the priorities of the Organization is primarily to promote and encourage work towards more cultural exchanges among Member States. Accordingly, these cultural encounters aim to reveal the bright aspects of our common Islamic cultural heritage within the larger and extended geography of the Islamic Ummah and to bridge cultural gaps and misunderstandings within and outside our Islamic world.
This international conference, consisting of various cultural activities, academic panels and intellectual discussions, will reflect the multifaceted and rich cultural heritage of Tajikistan through lectures, exhibitions, local folklore and cultural performances. The event aims to provide a unique opportunity for academics, youth, students, community leaders and participating guests to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Tajikistan as well as the contribution and influence of its prominent scholars and thinkers on Islamic culture.
The conference is expected to be a good opportunity to highlight the rich and diverse cultures that characterize Tajikistan and to a large extent the countries of Central Asia as well as the role of scholars and intellectuals of the Tajik people in promoting human culture and civilization. The conference is also expected to be a good opportunity to raise awareness of the role of the OIC and its institutions in promoting cultural diplomacy as an approach that would enhance cultural cooperation and Islamic rapprochement among Muslim communities, especially in the OIC member states in Central Asia.
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