Al-Issa in Davos: The Makkah Document and Islam's vision for coexistence
the World Economic Forum in Davos selected the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Council of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa , to deliver the closing address on religious and intellectual participation in the 2026 edition of the Forum. This selection comes as a culmination of the League's ongoing efforts to promote world peace and build bridges between nations.
The importance of Islamic presence in international forums
The Davos Forum is one of the most important global platforms, not only addressing economic issues but also shaping future visions for geopolitical and social challenges. The selection of Dr. Al-Issa to deliver the closing address clearly demonstrates the international community's recognition of the importance of a moderate Islamic voice in addressing the moral and intellectual crises facing the world today, and underscores that economic solutions cannot succeed in isolation from human and spiritual values.
Global initiatives to correct misconceptions
During his speech, Dr. Al-Issa highlighted a number of impactful initiatives spearheaded by the Muslim World League, most notably the “Building Bridges of Understanding and Cooperation between East and West” initiative. This initiative, which received the support and welcome of the United Nations at its headquarters in New York, marked a turning point in global religious discourse, offering practical implementation programs to dismantle theories of “inevitable clash” and “clash of civilizations,” replacing them with concepts of partnership and integration.
The Islamic vision: justice, mercy, and human dignity
Al-Issa reviewed the true essence of the Islamic vision, emphasizing that Islam is not merely a set of rituals, but a comprehensive legal and ethical system. He explained that:
- Justice: It is the fundamental value for ensuring stability, and it includes everyone without racial or religious discrimination.
- Compassion: It is the driving force behind human interaction, and it directs behavior towards balance and acceptance of difference.
- Peace is the norm in international relations, while conflict is the exceptional exception.
He pointed out that these values are in complete agreement with common human principles and the Charter of the United Nations, which confirms the universality of the Islamic message and its ability to keep pace with modern changes.
The Makkah Document: A Modern Humanistic Constitution
The Secretary-General addressed the historic achievement of the “Makkah Document ,” considered a landmark document in modern Islamic history. This document was issued in 2019 near the Holy Kaaba, endorsed by more than 1,200 muftis and scholars from various schools of thought and sects, and unanimously adopted by the 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
This document derives its strategic importance from the fact that:
- It establishes the concept of inclusive citizenship and transcends sectarian classifications.
- It affirms that religious and cultural differences are a universal law that necessitates getting to know one another, not conflict.
- Religions absolve themselves of the crimes of extremists who falsely claim to be religious.
Towards sustainable global solidarity
In concluding his remarks, Dr. Al-Issa emphasized the need to move from theory to practice, calling on peace-loving international organizations to strengthen global solidarity. He affirmed that the Muslim World League continues to train imams and religious leaders worldwide on the principles of the Makkah Declaration and the Building Bridges Document, ensuring that moderate discourse reaches grassroots communities and contributes to protecting societies against hatred and extremism.
