A leading academic said today that the pursuit of multiculturalism was the way towards world peace.
The claim was made by Professor Abd al-Fattah El-Awaisi, Principal of Al-Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies in Dundee.
He was speaking at an awards ceremony for staff from Dundee City Council’s social work department held at Dundee Contemporary Arts today (Wed Nov 2 2005).
Professor El-Awaisi outlined the work that had been done by the Institute since it opened in Dundee four years ago in particular the international links with other universities including Al-Azhar from Egypt, the oldest university in the world.
He said the Institute was establishing a new agenda for the study of Islam and Muslims and in particular the study of multiculturalism and Islamicjerusalem.
During the next year a book on this subject would be launched and conferences to debate its findings held in Dubai and Dundee involving academics and students from around the world.
Professor El-Awaisi said: “So what is the end product of all this activity? In a word – peace. We all have our own national identity and beliefs but instead of there being a clash of cultures, East v West, Muslim v Christian, the Al-Maktoum Institute exists to promote a multicultural future that will see people acknowledging and respecting their differences but willing to live and work together in peaceful coexistence. Some may say that is a pipe dream but I do not believe that. We are all aware of the problems that face the world we live in today. Religious extremists seek to exploit ignorance to stir up trouble. That is why multicultural education is so important. It uses the same texts as the extremists but interprets the message in an entirely different way, a peaceful way, and a way that shows people that there is more that unites them than divides them.”
Professor El-Awaisi detailed some of the economic benefits that had come to Dundee and Scotland as a result of their link with Dubai including the direct flights by Emirates Airlines.
He said:”Al-Maktoum Institute will continue to build on our excellent beginnings here in Dundee and that in the long run not only this city and Scotland will benefit but the fruits of our labours will lead to greater understanding between peoples and a multicultural future for us all.”
