Al-Maktoum College is hosting leading international scholars to discuss religion, ethics and their role in driving positive social change.
Al-Maktoum College Brings Together International Academics for Major Conference on Religion and Social Change
Leading academics from around the world will be gathering in Dundee this week for a conference on how religion can influence social and economic change.
Scholars, educators and practitioners in Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths will meet to explore how religious and ethical traditions inform transformative social and economic change.
The International Network for Interreligious Research and Education (INIRE) event will use religious roots and secular frameworks to discuss moral thinking. It aims to examine how religion can contribute to inclusive growth, equitable governance, and sustainable community development.
It is the first time the INIRE Summer School and Conference has been held in the United Kingdom, having previously been held in cities including Palermo and Berlin.
Dr Abi Abubaker, Principal of Al-Maktoum College, said: “We are delighted to welcome such a prestigious group to the College and to enable such important topics to be discussed.
“In the contemporary global landscape, with geopolitical tensions, cultural polarisation, and complex socio-religious challenges, the cultivation of dialogue between faith traditions is of paramount importance.
“The INIRE Summer School and Conference provides a vital intellectual and practical platform for scholars and practitioners to critically engage, exchange ideas and collaboratively nurture a climate of mutual understanding, trust and co-operation.
“Central to the mission of the College is a commitment to advancing constructive relationships among diverse communities and religious traditions. The conference not only aligns closely with our institutional objectives but also reflects the enduring values and heritage of Al-Maktoum College.”
A founding principle of Al-Maktoum College is rooted in the visionary leadership of the late Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, whose foresight recognised the urgent need for deeper understanding in an interconnected world. He championed stronger engagement between the Arab and Muslim worlds and the West, placing education and intellectual exchange at the core of this endeavour. This enduring vision continues to guide the College’s mission, shaping it as a hub for dialogue, mutual understanding and cross-cultural collaboration.
Among the events being held during the conference and summer school will be keynotes by leading international scholars, skill-building workshops on teaching, publishing and research design, and panels on interfaith activism, economic ethics and policy engagement.
Speakers will include Professor Mehmet Asutay from Durham University, Professor Malachi Hacohen from Duke University, Professor Morris Altman from the University of Dundee, Andrés Jaime Valencia from the Catholic University of Valencia, and Professor Zohar Maor from Bar-Ilan University.
The keynote speaker will be Professor Mario Aguilar from the University of St Andrews, whose address will be titled “Interfaith Dialogue, Justice and Artificial Intelligence”.
Dr Abubaker added: “There is a fantastic line-up of speakers and we are very privileged and proud to play host to the event in Dundee.”
Al-Maktoum College is an independent, internationally recognised centre for Higher Education. It offers a range of courses, many of which focus on Moral Economy, Ethical Finance, sustainable development and Islamic Studies.
Note to Editors:
For further information or to arrange pictures, please contact Neville Robertson Communications.
Richard Neville – Neville Robertson Communications
richard@nevillerobertson.co.uk – 07557 746886
Fiona Robertson – Neville Robertson Communications
fiona@nevillerobertson.co.uk – 07713 484778
About Al-Maktoum College:
Al-Maktoum College is a prestigious private higher education college in Dundee. It is dedicated to promoting understanding and dialogue between the Muslim and Western worlds. With a strong focus on education, research and community engagement, the college offers a range of academic programs, training initiatives and research projects aimed at fostering intercultural understanding and global harmony.
We inform you that this site uses own, technical and third parties cookies to make sure our web page is user-friendly and to guarantee a high functionality of the webpage. By continuing to browse this website, you declare to accept the use of cookies.