Islam and the West: Annual Report on the State of Dialogue

<strong>Islam</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>West</strong> Dialogue
of The World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum represents a diverse constituency, including leaders from government, business, media,
education, religious communities, <strong>and</strong> civil society. Each has <strong>the</strong> responsibility – <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> opportunity – to contribute
to deepening dialogue between <strong>the</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Muslim world.
Politics: Political leaders have clear responsibilities to address <strong>the</strong> major areas of tension among <strong>and</strong> within nations.
Through both traditional diplomacy <strong>and</strong> sophisticated public communications, <strong>the</strong>y are uniquely placed to build
crosscutting alliances that bring toge<strong>the</strong>r both Muslims <strong>and</strong> non-Muslims to address concrete problems.
Business: In addition to fostering economic growth <strong>and</strong> enhancing job opportunities, business leaders can
advance corporate cultures attentive to growing cultural <strong>and</strong> religious diversity in both Muslim majority <strong>and</strong> non-
Muslim majority countries. As active corporate citizens, business leaders bring a vital, results-oriented philosophy
to <strong>the</strong> challenges of Muslim-<strong>West</strong> dialogue.
Media: In <strong>the</strong> context of globalization, <strong>the</strong> media have emerged as critical shapers of public <strong>and</strong> elite opinion
concerning <strong>the</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Muslim world, as well as interactions across <strong>the</strong>m. Newspapers <strong>and</strong> magazines, radio,
television <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Internet purvey <strong>the</strong> news, opinion, images <strong>and</strong> analysis that frame national <strong>and</strong> international
debates. The need for reasoned <strong>and</strong> balanced coverage has never been higher than it is today.
Faith communities: Religious leaders are actively engaging in dialogue, supporting civic values <strong>and</strong> mediating to
defuse explosive community tensions. These efforts belie <strong>the</strong> widespread view that extremists are drowning out
constructive voices. But <strong>the</strong> persistence of that misperception underscores <strong>the</strong> need for a greater visibility <strong>and</strong>
coordination of dialogue efforts.
Education <strong>and</strong> culture: Education professionals at <strong>the</strong> secondary <strong>and</strong> post-secondary levels are especially well
positioned to foster dialogue that addresses knowledge gaps <strong>and</strong> prepares citizens for a world marked by cultural
<strong>and</strong> religious diversity. Youth exchanges, curricular reform <strong>and</strong> literacy drives are among <strong>the</strong> most important means
to achieve this. Arts <strong>and</strong> sports also provide opportunities to streng<strong>the</strong>n intercultural <strong>and</strong> interfaith underst<strong>and</strong>ing.
Civil society: To be effective, dialogue between <strong>the</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Muslim world must reach deep into civil society
to engage women, ethnic <strong>and</strong> racial minorities, <strong>and</strong> professions including education, law <strong>and</strong> medicine.
Communication is critical. Bringing toge<strong>the</strong>r leaders of local initiatives to share <strong>the</strong>ir experiences <strong>and</strong> coordinate
events <strong>and</strong> calendars enhances <strong>the</strong> overall impact of dialogue efforts.
<strong>Islam</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>West</strong>: <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> on <strong>the</strong> State of Dialogue Introduction
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