The Islamic Values Forum kicks off in Riyadh to promote moderation
The inaugural "Islamic Values Forum" kicked off today, Monday, in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, at the InterContinental Hotel. The event is held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, and with the direct supervision and guidance of His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al Sheikh. This important event underscores the Kingdom's leading role in safeguarding the tolerant principles of Islam.
The importance of the forum in the local and international context
This forum acquires significant strategic importance in light of rapid global changes, as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its ambitious vision, seeks to present an Islamic model based on moderation and balance. The role of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs is not limited to the administrative management of mosques, but extends to building the intellectual resilience of society. These sessions highlight how values have been transformed from mere theoretical concepts into practical applications that touch people's lives and contribute to strengthening intellectual security and combating extremist and alien ideologies.
Workshops: From Theory to Digital Application
The first session, titled "The Ministry of Islamic Affairs' Efforts in Promoting Islamic Values Internally and Externally," opened with the participation of a select group of ministry leaders, including Dr. Awad bin Sabti Al-Anzi, Undersecretary for Islamic Affairs, and Dr. Saud bin Alibi Al-Ghamdi, Undersecretary for Da'wah and Guidance. The discussion focused on the modern mechanisms employed by the ministry, particularly in the field of digital transformation , where technology has been utilized to serve Da'wah (Islamic outreach), contributing to the dissemination of moderate discourse to a wider segment of the public, especially young people, through various digital platforms.
Historical roots and universal message
In discussing historical roots, Dr. Awad Al-Anzi emphasized that upholding Islamic values has been a cornerstone of the Kingdom's policy since its founding by King Abdulaziz – may God have mercy on him. The Kingdom has never neglected the religious aspect, whether through building mosques and universities or holding international conferences that bring together scholars of the Muslim world. This commitment continues in the prosperous era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his Crown Prince, as the Kingdom has become a leading example for the Islamic world in promoting a culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Achievements in numbers and training of preachers
Dr. Saud Al-Ghamdi highlighted some of the ministry's significant digital achievements, noting that in 2025 it conducted over 1,049,000 outreach activities. These figures reflect the extensive efforts to empower preachers and develop their rhetorical and scholarly skills, enabling them to effectively address contemporary intellectual challenges. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's benevolent reach has extended internationally, disseminating its moderate message across Asia, Africa, and South America, targeting millions of beneficiaries and presenting the true image of Islam, free from distortion.
