Mecca, Saudi Arabia – Represented by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, the sultanate is participating in the Conference of Ministers of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in the Islamic World.

The ninth edition of the conference, titled ‘The Role of Ministries of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in Promoting the Principles of Moderation and Consolidating the Values of Moderation’,  is being held in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on Sunday and Monday.

Addressing the conference, H E Dr Mohammed bin Saeed al Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, highlighted the global challenges of value degradation, moral deprivation, conflicts and wars that have led to humanitarian, environmental and economic crises. “Our societies are not immune to these challenges because these are part of the global fabric.”

H E Maamari spoke of the impact of polarisation, hatred and misleading historical narratives on societies. He noted that the family unit, crucial for social stability, is being undermined by overdependence on technology and erosion of moral values.

He called for cooperation among Islamic and religious affairs officials to protect societies and uphold moral values. “We must renew our understanding of religious objectives to address the current challenges.”

H E Maamari underscored the value Islam places on human dignity and social well-being, and its rejection of any form of extremism and violence as deviations from the true essence of the religion. “Oman promotes a culture of peace and harmony, underpinned by reason, justice and ethics,” he added.

The sultanate launched a project called ‘Human Harmony’ in 2019 with the aim of fostering common human values. Additionally, the ‘Message of Islam’ project, initiated in 2010, has promoted tolerance, coexistence and understanding, countering stereotypes and Islamophobia through global dialogue.

“The success of these initiatives demonstrates that constructive cooperation between peoples and cultures is possible, even amidst current challenges,” H E Maamari noted, highlighting Oman’s approach centred on diplomacy and fostering international relations. Concluding his speech, H E Maamari stressed the pivotal role of religious institutions in building harmonious, secure and peaceful societies. “Our religious institutions must revive core values to achieve cooperation and integration with other state institutions, ensuring social and national stability.”