Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
In partnership with the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), the International Centre for Multiculturalism in Baku, and the Muslim Council of the Caucasus, EDARA, the European Academy for Development and Research, announces a historic step in cultural recognition and cooperation with the launch of “2025 Year of the Islamic World”.
This initiative aims to promote peaceful coexistence and highlight the rich history and diverse culture, as well as the significant contributions of the Islamic world to contemporary society.
Dr. Ibrahim Laitos, Director of the Academy, said in statements to the "Europe and Arabs" website that this initiative came in cooperation with many organizations and is an important initiative that aims to achieve cultural, educational, scientific and research goals and includes several activities, including a group breakfast and a conference to present models of cultural diversity in the Western and Islamic worlds. He added, "Through this initiative, we seek to bring viewpoints closer together to bridge the gap that exists at the present time and also to deal with the crises that the world is going through at the regional and international levels." He noted that the initiative confirms the existence of common denominators despite the differences. He pointed to the presence of a number of officials from European institutions and also those representing the Belgian Royal Palace, and hinted at the existence of a supportive message for this project from the Belgian monarch, King Philippe, through which he appreciates this initiative and sees that it provides opportunities and confirms the partnership between the Islamic and Western worlds. This is in addition to the participation of other active events and figures, including the Islamic preacher Sheikh Nour El-Din El-Tawil. Through the presence of these active Islamic competencies, we renew the covenant for peace and security and through real initiatives, not just words, especially in the month of Ramadan, a symbol of brotherhood and solidarity. For his part, the Islamic preacher in Belgium, Nourredine Al-Tawil, said in a statement to the "Europe and Arabs" website, "In my capacity as Secretary-General of the Council of Belgian Scholars of Imams who were born on Belgian soil, I am one of the participants in this initiative that was launched from here in Belgium. We were keen to have many European figures participate and bring together the Islamic and European worlds to build distinguished relations and maintain peace, as well as to ensure relations in various fields, including the economic, especially with regard to the "Halal" file. There is understanding and cooperation between the Islamic and European worlds to truly understand the Islamic religion and erase the false image due to individual mistakes or misleading media campaigns. We seek real peace, and if this is available, development and decent living will come for all people." A statement by Waz'a in Brussels, a copy of which we received, regarding this initiative, said, "In the context of cultural recognition and cooperation, the launch of "2025 for the Islamic World" was officially announced. This ambitious initiative aims to introduce the depth of history, cultural diversity, and contributions of the Islamic world to our society." His Majesty King Philippe expressed his support for this initiative in a message, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen ties between the different communities in Europe and to promote mutual understanding.

“It is essential to celebrate the invaluable cultural, scientific and social contributions of the Islamic world,” said His Majesty. “The 2025 Islamic World Year is an ideal platform for this celebration and underscores the importance of dialogue, respect and solidarity in our diverse society.”

The launch event was marked by several parallel events in the European Parliament and elsewhere, attended by many Belgian political, academic and influential figures. A gala will also be held on the evening of 7 March at 6pm at the Steigenberger Hotel in Brussels.