A discussion at the closing session of the US-Islamic World Forum at the Ritz-Carlton in Doha yesterday.
Doha: The 10th US-Islamic World Forum concluded here at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel with a declaration of a set of recommendations calling for enhancement of freedom of expression, freedom of religion, social change and prevention from economic collapse.
The Forum also called for promoting the overall growth in Egypt and Tunisia as well as enhancing the rights of women in Islamic countries that suffer conflict in addition to common interests and to participate in a dynamic world.
It also called for religious tolerance and encouraging governments to conduct reforms in a transparent manner and involve the public in decisions making to achieve development, justice and the establishment of a strong economy and the fight against corruption and the involvement of women in economic activities in the medium term. The recommendations also included the need to provide greater assistance to countries in transition period through increasing coordination and partnerships and the exchange of knowledge and expertise .
The Forum also recommended enactment of laws and cultural norms and adopt approaches that encourage women’s participation in political affairs and economic activities for the desired economic change according to the context of each country.
The Forum also stressed the importance of working to find common interests in this ever-changing world as well as promoting religious and diplomatic coordination in support of peace and stability and the values of human rights. It also called for supporting the peace process in the Middle East to achieve the principle of the two countries.
Tamara Cofman, Director of the US Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings Institution commended the substantial support provided by Qatar for this Forum since its inception, saying “without the support of the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and his wise vision the Forum would not have achieved the successes that it has reached.”
She said in her speech at the closing session: “The Forum is a continuation of previous efforts with regard to the relationship between the US and the Muslim world and to complement similar work comes in the future. She expressed hope that all would cooperate to achieve the desired interest.
She announced that the next Forum will be held in Washington, DC, and hoped that it would be an opportunity for further constructive discussions that benefit the US and the Islamic world. QNA
