Baku: The Muslim Council of Elders participated in organising the Third International Conference on Combating Islamophobia, held in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, from 26th to 27th May 2025, under the theme: 'Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas.' The event brought together a wide array of religious leaders, policymakers, scholars, and experts from across the globe.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research, addressed the conference, emphasising that confronting Islamophobia requires moving beyond conventional approaches and adopting strategies that are more comprehensive and specialised. He highlighted that Islamophobia is a deliberate, targeted behavior stemming from an institutionalised hate discourse that is learned and perpetuated. Dr. Boudinar called for renewing the concepts and terminology associated with Islamophobia to reflect the actual lived experiences of Muslims in the West and enhance understanding within international institutions and societies.
Dr. Boudinar, delivering the speech on behalf of Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, stressed the need to develop clear conceptual frameworks and precise practices that contribute to building a robust knowledge base. This knowledge base would enable the design of effective initiatives and projects. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening media monitoring and analyzing Western narratives related to the portrayal of Muslims, especially given the increasing wave of hate speech driven by populist right-wing movements.
The Muslim Council of Elders launched an initiative five years ago to produce a comprehensive legal report on hate speech targeting Muslims and the legal procedures surrounding it in countries affected by Islamophobia. Developed in cooperation with international legal and consulting institutions, the report spans over 140 pages and offers an in-depth analysis of the legislative frameworks and procedural challenges involved in combating Islamophobia in several European countries.
Dr. Boudinar further emphasised the pivotal role of youth, describing them as a vital force for renewal and innovation, particularly in media influence, grassroots engagement, and digital communication. The Muslim Council of Elders focuses on youth empowerment through initiatives such as the Emerging Peacebuilders Forum (EPF) and the 'Global Student Dialogues on Human Fraternity' programme.
The conference 'Islamophobia in Focus' was co-organised by the Muslim Council of Elders in collaboration with the Baku International Multiculturalism Center (BIMC), the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) in Azerbaijan, the Baku Process Initiative Group, and several international partners. It brought together prominent religious leaders and policymakers from across the globe to examine the pressing challenges posed by Islamophobia.