Iman Foundation hosts Beirut Conference on Conflict Resolution: 'Challenging Extremism & Terrorism: The Way Forward'
Lunes, 7 Abril 2014
The IMAN Foundation was pleased to host an Interfaith Conference in Beirut, Lebanon, on the subject of 'Challenging Extremism & Terrorism: The Way Forward'.
The conference was chaired by Sheikh Mohammad Hajj Hassan, President of IMAN for the Middle East, with the Rt. Hon. Lord Kilclooney of Armagh from the IMAN Foundation Advisory Board as the Guest of Honour
A large number of people were in attendance including a host of politicians, academics, journalists, Muslim clerics, Christians and representatives from across Lebanon. They had an excellent discussion about the need to challenge extremism in the Middle East and across the world. Guests included:
Sheikh Bakr Al-Rifai, the Mufti of Baalbek Al-Hermel and representative of the Grand Mufti of Lebanon, His Excellency, Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Qabbani.
Father Abdo Raad, the director of the Institute of Theology and Vice President of the National Council of Social Service in Lebanon, representing Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi.
Dr. Faraj Kerbaj, representing former President Amine Gemayel the leader of the Kataeb Party, and member of its Political Bureau.
Dr. Nabil Bou Habib, representing Dr. Samir Geagea leader of the Lebanese Forces Party, and member of its Executive Committee.
Al Sayed Hasan Al-Amine, representing his father, Al-Mufti Al-Sayed Ali Al-Amine.
Commenting after the conference, Ribal Al-Assad, Chairman of the IMAN Foundation said:
"I am delighted that we were able to bring together so many distinguished representatives from across the community in Lebanon; the core aim of the IMAN Foundation is to challenge extremism and sectarianism through the mutual exchange of ideas and opinion - this conference certainly helped to facilitate a more open dialogue between faith leaders, politicians and community representatives.
Furthermore we were honoured to have The Right Hon Lord Kilclooney in attendance; he has decades of experience in conflict resolution and his speech and insightful contributions were tremendously well received by all.
We aim to organise more of these conferences in the coming year and will continue to work with all stakeholders to challenge extremism in all forms."
