The 37th International Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims officially opened on Friday, November 29, 2024, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, organized by the Islamic Dawah Center in Brazil in cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance. The three-day event, running until December 1, is being held under the theme “Islamic Education in Latin America and the Caribbean: Its Role in Preserving Identity” at the São Bernardo do Campo Municipal Council, bringing together ministers, scholars, researchers, and specialists from Arab and Islamic countries as well as from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Context and Background
The conference marks a continued effort by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, to support and strengthen Islamic institutions and communities abroad. For nearly four decades, this annual gathering has served as a platform for dialogue, education, and cultural exchange, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering moderate Islamic values and ensuring the well-being of Muslim communities worldwide. The choice of Brazil as the host nation underscores the deep, growing ties between the Kingdom and Latin America, particularly with Brazil, the region’s largest economy.
Key Details and Speeches
The opening ceremony began with a film introducing the conference, its mission, and the work of the Islamic Dawah Center in the region. Head of the Islamic Dawah Center for Latin America and the Caribbean Dr. Ahmed Ali Al-Saifi delivered a speech expressing gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their unwavering support of Muslims in Latin America and the Caribbean. He also highlighted the ministry’s role in overseeing mosques and religious institutions in the region.
Federal Deputy of Brazil Vicente Paulo da Silva, speaking on behalf of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, emphasized the respect and prominent role of Muslims in Brazil’s development and prosperity. He lauded the strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and Brazil, built on solidarity and mutual respect, and noted Brazil’s deep affection for Arabs, particularly through its ties with the Kingdom. Delivering a speech on behalf of Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, the ministry’s Undersecretary Sheikh Dr. Awad bin Sabti Al-Enezi emphasized that knowledge forms the foundation of righteous deeds, enabling correct beliefs and worship practices. He underscored the importance of Islamic education in clarifying misconceptions and promoting understanding to combat ignorance.
Implications and International Impact
The conference’s focus on Islamic education in Latin America and the Caribbean highlights a strategic priority for Saudi Arabia: supporting Muslim communities abroad in preserving their identity while integrating into their societies. By partnering with Brazil’s Islamic Dawah Center, the Kingdom continues to expand its soft diplomacy reach, building bridges with diverse populations across the Western Hemisphere. This event also reinforces the mutual respect between Saudi Arabia and Brazil, two major economies within their respective regions, paving the way for increased cultural, economic, and educational cooperation.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This initiative aligns seamlessly with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to strengthen the Kingdom’s global role as a beacon of moderate Islam and a hub for international dialogue. By supporting educational and religious programs for Muslims worldwide, Saudi Arabia not only fulfills its historical role as the birthplace of Islam but also fosters intercultural understanding and global peace. The 37th Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to building bridges of cooperation and knowledge across continents, contributing to a more harmonious and interconnected world.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the 37th International Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims?
A1. It is a major annual event organized by the Islamic Dawah Center in Brazil in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, focusing on Islamic education and identity for Muslim communities in the region.
Q2. When and where is the conference being held?
A2. The conference opened on Friday, November 29, 2024, and runs until December 1, 2024, at the São Bernardo do Campo Municipal Council in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Q3. What is the theme of this year’s conference?
A3. The theme is “Islamic Education in Latin America and the Caribbean: Its Role in Preserving Identity.”
Q4. Who organized the conference?
A4. The conference was organized by the Islamic Dawah Center in Brazil in cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance.
Q5. Who attended the opening ceremony?
A5. Ministers, scholars, researchers, and specialists from Arab and Islamic countries, as well as from Latin America and the Caribbean, attended the opening ceremony.
Q6. What did Dr. Ahmed Ali Al-Saifi say in his speech?
A6. Dr. Al-Saifi expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support of Muslims in Latin America and the Caribbean and highlighted the ministry’s role in overseeing mosques and religious institutions.
Q7. What did Federal Deputy Vicente Paulo da Silva say?
A7. Speaking for President Lula, he emphasized Muslims’ respect and role in Brazil’s development and praised the strong Saudi-Brazil relationship built on solidarity and mutual respect.
Q8. What did Undersecretary Sheikh Dr. Awad bin Sabti Al-Enezi emphasize?
A8. He emphasized that knowledge is the foundation of righteous deeds and that Islamic education helps clarify misconceptions and promote understanding to combat ignorance.
Q9. How long is the conference?
A9. The conference is a three-day event, running from Friday, November 29, to Sunday, December 1, 2024.
Q10. Why is the conference important for Saudi Arabia?
A10. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Muslim communities abroad and strengthening its role as a global leader in moderate Islamic values and education.
Q11. What is the role of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in this event?
A11. The ministry oversees mosques and religious institutions, and its officials deliver speeches and provide support for the conference’s educational mission.
Q12. How does the conference connect to Vision 2030?
A12. The conference aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering moderate Islam, international cooperation, and cultural understanding as part of Saudi Arabia’s global engagement.
Q13. What is the Islamic Dawah Center for Latin America and the Caribbean?
A13. It is an organization that promotes Islamic education and outreach in the region, often collaborating with Saudi ministries to support Muslim communities.
Q14. Which countries are represented at the conference?
A14. Participants include representatives from Arab and Islamic countries, as well as from Latin American and Caribbean nations.
Q15. What was shown in the opening film?
A15. The film introduced the conference, its mission, and the efforts of the Islamic Dawah Center in the region.
Q16. How does this conference benefit Brazil?
A16. It highlights Brazil’s respect for diversity and its strong ties with Saudi Arabia, boosting cultural exchange and mutual economic partnerships.
Q17. What is the significance of the conference’s theme?
A17. The theme underscores the importance of education in preserving Islamic identity among Muslims living in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Q18. How often is this conference held?
A18. The conference is held annually, with this year marking the 37th edition.
Q19. Who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Islamic Affairs?
A19. Undersecretary Sheikh Dr. Awad bin Sabti Al-Enezi delivered the speech on behalf of Minister Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh.
Q20. What is the expected outcome of the conference?
A20. The conference aims to enhance Islamic education, clarify misconceptions, and strengthen cooperation between Muslim communities and their host countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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