The 16th Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue will take place from 21 to 23 April 2026, focusing on the theme “Religious Dialogue in the Digital Age: New Horizons for Peacebuilding.” Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Naimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID), announced the event in an exclusive interview with the Qatar News Agency.
Dr Al Naimi stated that the conference aims to provide an intellectual platform for exchanging expertise and formulating strategies that use digital capabilities to promote coexistence and sustainable peace. He explained that while the digital sphere offers unprecedented opportunities for dialogue across borders, it also presents significant challenges, including the rise of hate speech, misinformation, and online extremism.
Conference Aims and Key Themes
The conference will address issues affecting humanity from the perspectives of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Dr Al Naimi highlighted the dramatic digital transformation, particularly social media and artificial intelligence (AI), as a critical issue shaping the future. He stressed that religious dialogue cannot ignore this shift, which has become a common language for the modern era, especially among young people.
The conference has five primary goals:
* Analysing the impact of digitalisation on interfaith dialogue.
* Examining digital challenges and developing innovative solutions.
* Formulating policies to safeguard religious and cultural diversity online.
* Strengthening the role of religious, educational, and media institutions.
* Empowering youth and digital influencers to become peacebuilders.
To achieve these goals, the event will be structured around five key themes. These include the impact of digitalisation on interfaith communication, building new knowledge systems for peace using AI and data analytics, protecting religious diversity in cyberspace, the role of digital media in shaping perceptions, and engaging youth in fostering a culture of dialogue.
Aligning with Qatar’s National Vision
Dr Al Naimi affirmed that the conference’s efforts are an essential part of the DICID’s objectives and align with Qatar’s national policy of mediation, negotiation, and resolving conflicts by peaceful means. He noted that these goals are consistent with the Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritises helping others and building sustainable peace.
Citing the war in Gaza, he explained how modern technology and AI have influenced youth and university students worldwide, leading them to mobilise in support of the cause. He expressed confidence that digital transformation will help remove barriers between religions and become a powerful tool for peace.
Digital Creativity and Innovation Award
Alongside the conference, Dr Al Naimi announced that the 6th Doha International Award for Interfaith Dialogue in 2026 will focus on “Digital Creativity and Innovation in Religious Dialogue and Peacebuilding.” Launched in 2013, the award supports individuals and institutions that have made a significant impact in promoting dialogue and a culture of peace.
The 2026 awards will be dedicated to creative individuals and religious institutions active in the digital space. Individual awards will recognise creativity in digital dialogue, excellence in digital peacebuilding, and inspirational digital influence. Institutional awards will honour the best digital platform and the best digital channel or application supporting religious dialogue. Winners will be announced during the conference’s opening ceremony.
