Padua:The First International Conference on Religious Studies, organized by Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH), concluded in the Italian city of Padua with seven key recommendations. These include launching a religious common ground project, expanding academic exchange, joint scholarly publication, and developing pathways for translating specialized research.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference also recommended establishing a fixed, recurring date for the event with a new academic theme for each edition. Other suggestions included developing ethical frameworks for artificial intelligence grounded in shared human values, strengthening the role of universities in serving society, and publishing outstanding conference papers in an international peer-reviewed journal indexed in Scopus, subject to review.
The conference, held on October 2nd and 3rd, focused on the theme 'Religion and Shared Humanity: Contemporary Approaches in Theology and Religious Studies'. It was organized in collaboration with the University of Padua and the University of Eastern Piedmont. The event emphasized that shared religious values help preserve humanity amidst differences and place the human person at the center of dialogue.
Speakers at the opening session included Dr. Omar Habtour Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat and Chairman of the MBZUH Board of Trustees; Professor Menico Rizzi, Rector of the University of Eastern Piedmont; and Professor Marco Ferrante, Vice Rector of the University of Padua. Participants also featured Professor Mohammad Ahmad Musallam Al Khalaileh, Minister of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places of Jordan, and Professor Nazir Ayyad, Grand Mufti of Egypt.
The conference showcased 34 research papers from scholars of 15 nationalities, selected from over 700 research proposals. Dr. Al Darei, in his address, underscored the importance of universities in fostering cultural and humanitarian awareness and enhancing interreligious dialogue. He highlighted the growing responsibility of religious studies in correcting stereotypes and building trust amidst rapidly advancing artificial intelligence.
Professor Rizzi emphasized the significance of humanity's unity in giving meaning to dialogue and academic cooperation, while Professor Ferrante stressed the obligation of universities to produce knowledge and transform differences into cooperation.
A keynote session featured discussions among Professor Al Khalaileh, Professor Ayyad, and Professor Stefano Allievi of the University of Padua on the role of shared humanity in promoting peace and protecting human dignity.
The conference's seven academic sessions provided in-depth discussions across various themes, such as philosophy, theology, anthropology, and religious diversity. They addressed the interaction between religious thought and contemporary issues, including artificial intelligence and ethical questions, while exploring ways to transform shared religious values into practical responsibilities.