ASEAN Conference Highlights Saudi Role in Promoting Moderation

The third international ASEAN conference, titled “Khair Ummah,” concluded its first day in Bangkok, Thailand, on January 25, 2025, with a dedicated session highlighting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s leadership in promoting moderation and combating extremism worldwide. Organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, the conference brought together scholars, imams, and religious leaders from across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region to discuss shared challenges and opportunities under the theme, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Moderation and Tolerance Approach.”

Context and Background

The “Khair Ummah” conference, now in its third edition, serves as a key platform for fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue among ASEAN member states and their global partners. This year’s event reflects the growing recognition of Saudi Arabia’s role as a stabilizing force in the Islamic world, particularly through its initiatives to counter extremist ideologies and promote values of tolerance and coexistence.

Key Details

Saudi Arabia’s session was chaired by Professor Dr. Mohammed Al-Fraih of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, a leading institution in Islamic scholarship. Discussions addressed several priority topics, including the dangers of extremism, Saudi Arabia’s efforts in countering radicalism, its role in safeguarding global security and stability, its ongoing support for Muslim communities worldwide, and its programs promoting moderation. Participants included professors, imams, and preachers from institutions such as Miranda Mosque in the Philippines, the Ministry of Religions and Denominations in Cambodia, and Muhammadiyah Mosque at Ho Chi Minh National University in Vietnam.

Implications

The inclusion of Southeast Asian religious and academic leaders underscores the conference’s collaborative spirit and the Kingdom’s commitment to sharing its experience in promoting moderation beyond the Middle East. By engaging directly with ASEAN representatives, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to regional stability. This session also reinforces the Kingdom’s broader diplomatic efforts to position itself as a global hub for moderate Islamic discourse.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The conference aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of fostering a tolerant and globally engaged society. The Kingdom’s push for moderation, combined with its active international cooperation, supports its ambition to become a leading force for peace and mutual understanding. As the conference continues, Saudi Arabia’s message of balanced and inclusive dialogue is expected to inspire further cooperation across the ASEAN region and beyond.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the “Khair Ummah” conference?

A1. It is the third international ASEAN conference organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, held in Bangkok, Thailand, to promote moderation and combat extremism.

Q2. Where and when did the conference take place?

A2. The conference started on January 25, 2025, in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand, and concluded its first day with a session on Saudi Arabia’s moderation efforts.

Q3. Who chaired the session on Saudi Arabia’s efforts?

A3. The session was chaired by Professor Dr. Mohammed Al-Fraih of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University.

Q4. What was the main theme of the session?

A4. The session was titled “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Moderation and Tolerance Approach.”

Q5. What topics were discussed during the session?

A5. Topics included the dangers of extremism, Saudi Arabia’s counter-radicalism efforts, global security, support for Muslims worldwide, and initiatives promoting moderation.

Q6. Who participated in the session?

A6. Participants included professors, imams, and preachers from Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Miranda Mosque in the Philippines, Cambodian Ministry of Religions, and Muhammadiyah Mosque in Vietnam.

Q7. Why is this conference important for ASEAN?

A7. It provides a platform for ASEAN countries to discuss shared religious and security challenges while learning from Saudi Arabia’s model of moderate Islam.

Q8. How does Saudi Arabia support Muslims worldwide?

A8. Through programs promoting moderation, countering extremist ideologies, and providing humanitarian and educational assistance via official channels.

Q9. What is the role of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in this conference?

A9. The Ministry organized the conference as part of its mandate to promote Islamic values of peace, tolerance, and moderation globally.

Q10. How does the conference relate to Vision 2030?

A10. It supports Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a tolerant society and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s role as a global hub for moderate Islamic dialogue.

Q11. Who is Professor Dr. Mohammed Al-Fraih?

A11. He is a professor at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University and chaired the session on moderation and tolerance at the ASEAN conference.

Q12. What is Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University known for?

A12. It is a leading Saudi institution for Islamic scholarship, known for promoting moderate interpretations of Islam and training religious leaders.

Q13. How does the conference combat extremism?

A13. By bringing together scholars to share strategies and success stories, the conference helps build a unified approach against radical ideologies.

Q14. What is the significance of including ASEAN participants?

A14. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global cooperation and highlights the shared responsibility of Muslim-majority nations in promoting peace.

Q15. Did the conference include any official statements?

A15. The Saudi Press Agency reported that discussions focused on Saudi Arabia’s efforts and support for global security, based on official conference proceedings.

Q16. What is the theme “Khair Ummah” referring to?

A16. “Khair Ummah” translates to “Best Community” in Arabic, reflecting the aspiration for a peaceful, united Muslim community.

Q17. How does the session promote tolerance?

A17. By highlighting Saudi Arabia’s initiatives and encouraging dialogue, the session reinforces the importance of respect and understanding among different cultures.

Q18. What is the expected outcome of the conference?

A18. The conference aims to produce actionable recommendations for promoting moderation and countering extremism across the ASEAN region.

Q19. Is this the first time Saudi Arabia has held such a conference?

A19. No, this is the third edition of the ASEAN “Khair Ummah” conference, building on previous successful dialogues and collaborations.

Q20. How can readers learn more about Saudi Arabia’s moderation efforts?

A20. Official information is available through the Saudi Press Agency and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance.

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