Madinah Emir: Sound thinking is fundamental to security and prosperity of societies

Prince Salman bin Sultan, the Emir of Madinah, officially inaugurated the International Conference on Saudi Arabia’s Efforts to Counter Intellectual Deviations this past Sunday. The event, hosted by the Islamic University of Madinah, serves as a platform for scholars, fatwa center representatives, and international researchers to discuss strategies for promoting moderation and intellectual integrity within Islamic societies.

During his opening address, Prince Salman emphasized that the Kingdom views sound intellectual development as a cornerstone of national security and social prosperity. He stated that the conference aligns with the broader vision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who have prioritized the safeguarding of intellectual values against radicalism and extremism. The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a center for moderate Islamic discourse.

The two-day conference features a series of panels and academic sessions involving experts from both within the Kingdom and abroad. Participants are expected to examine the role of educational and religious institutions in fostering critical thinking and resilience against extremist ideologies. The event underscores the Saudi government's commitment to institutionalizing its counter-radicalization strategies through academic and collaborative international frameworks.