Istanbul forum to address challenges, opportunities in Islamic world

ISTANBUL

The Cihannuma Association for Solidarity and Cooperation will host next month’s Istanbul Forum, bringing together prominent leaders, thinkers, and academics to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Islamic world.

Speaking to Anadolu, Riza Yorulmaz, who heads the group, which is based in the Turkish capital Ankara, said the forum aims to provide innovative solutions and nuanced analyses for issues confronting Muslim communities globally.

Yorulmaz stressed the need for specialized platforms to encourage intellectual dialogue.

“Current platforms often prioritize political leaders and politicians, neglecting diverse voices and experience of the wider world from fields such academia, business, the arts, and civil society,” he said.

The forum seeks to address this gap by fostering collaboration and discussion of the Islamic world’s contemporary challenges and opportunities, he explained.

The platform will explore topics such as justice, migration, economic development, alleviating poverty, digitization, mental health, and the situation of Muslim minorities.

Discussions will also focus on the family, culture, arts, and civil society, Yorulmaz said, adding that participants will address these issues through a variety of formats, including panels, debates, keynote speeches, and hackathons.

- Bridging communities

The forum will stress unity and cooperation among Muslim communities, Yorulmaz said, adding that it aims to develop practical solutions and roadmaps, build bridges between Muslim groups, and enhance mutual understanding.

The forum’s primary themes will include contemporary Islamic thought, with discussions centered on contemporary issues of the Islamic world.

The event, held at Halic University in Istanbul on Dec. 13-15, will feature approximately 50 participants, including leaders, scholars, and opinion leaders from across the Islamic world.

Numerous academics and intellectuals from Türkiye will also attend. Anadolu will serve as communication partner for the forum.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan