International Scientific Forum on the Role of Culture and Arts in Combating Crime and Extremism Commences at ICESCO Headquarters
International Scientific Forum on Culture and Arts in Combating Crime and Extremism Opens in Baku
Baku, July 18 – The international scientific forum on the role of culture and arts in combating crime and extremism has commenced at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), with the presence of high-level officials, according to the official website of the organization.
Organized by ICESCO in partnership with the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) in Saudi Arabia and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for the Gulf Cooperation Council Region, the Forum aims to emphasize the importance of artistic and cultural work in fighting crime, shed light on the significance of cultural and artistic content in promoting coexistence, and review the best practices and experiences in the field from Arab, regional, and international perspectives.
The opening session of the three-day forum was attended by senior officials and experts from the ministries of interior, justice, social affairs, information, and culture in Arab countries, as well as representatives from regional and international organizations, researchers from universities, and competent authorities.
Beginning with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, the event proceeded with an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, the Director-General of ICESCO, who highlighted the crucial role of culture and art in human life. He emphasized their ability to provide the best means of expressing human emotions and pointed out that crime and extremism are the outcome of unfavorable social conditions that lack positive societal influences.
During his speech, the director-general presented five recommendations. These recommendations focused on the role of cultural and artistic policies in addressing crime and extremism, the importance of intellectuals in societal and civilizational development, the need for engaging cultural and artistic training materials at an early educational level, the establishment of cultural facilities in neighborhoods and regions to meet the cultural and artistic needs of residents, and the necessity of giving due attention to younger generations in facing current challenges.
The session, moderated by Amb. Khaled Fathulrahman, Head of ICESCO’s Centre for Civilizational Dialogue, proceeded with a speech by Mr. Abdellatif Wehbi, the Minister of Justice of Morocco. He emphasized the significance of culture and arts in creating a cultural reference for humanity and highlighted the Kingdom of Morocco’s efforts in adopting an integrated national approach to counter terrorism and extremism.
Dr. Mohammad bin Ali Koman, Secretary-General of the Secretary General of Arab Interior Ministers Council, also addressed the attendees. He emphasized that the security approach alone cannot combat crime, which led the Council to enhance the role of culture and arts in combating terrorism and extremism through various programs and initiatives.
Mr. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Alharfash, Vice President for External Relations at NAUSS, stated that the Forum was organized in collaboration between the university and ICESCO to support coexistence, combat extremism, and promote cultural rapprochement. He also highlighted the university’s efforts in the academic and security fields.
The forum will continue for three days and provide an important platform for international cooperation and exchange of ideas to address the challenges of crime and extremism through the power of culture and arts.
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