Makkah forum to focus on countering extremism

Under the patronage of King Salman, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs will host the ninth conference of ministers of awqaf and Islamic affairs on Aug. 3.

In addition to ministers of awqaf and Islamic affairs, the conference will also be attended by muftis and heads of Islamic councils and associations from more than 60 countries.

The three-day conference will address the role of the ministries in promoting Islamic principles and consolidating the values of moderation.

In 10 working sessions, participants are scheduled to discuss the role of a renewed concept of religious address; how to confront extremism, fanaticism, and terrorism; and the need to immunize society against the dangers of hate speech and extremism.

They will also discuss how to spread the values of tolerance and coexistence; how to combat Islamophobia; the role of awqaf in increasing gross domestic product; and the role of endowment funds in development and investment.