UNESCO CHAIR For Inter-Religious Dialogue Studies in The Islamic World
In collaboration with the International Dominican University “Domuni” and the Imam Amir al-Mu’minin Center for Specialized Studies and Research in Najaf, the UNESCO Chair for Interreligious Dialogue at the University of Kufa organized an international conference titled “Women in Christian and Islamic Heritage”. The event took place in the Dominican Fathers’ Hall in Paris on Monday, May 13, 2024.
The conference featured presentations by a group of Iraqi and French professors and researchers. Notable attendees included former French Minister of National Education Jean-Michel Blanquer, His Excellency Dr. Wadie Batti, the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq, as well as professors and students from Domuni University.
The conference began with a welcoming speech from Sister Dr. Marie Monnet, President of Domuni University, who expressed her happiness in collaborating with the University of Kufa and clergy delegations. She conveyed her appreciation for the academic partnership between the two institutions.
Dr. Alaa Shatnan, Director of the UNESCO Chair at the University of Kufa, delivered a speech on behalf of the President of the University of Kufa, thanking Domuni University for their cooperation in organizing the conference and wishing the researchers success.
Former Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer also addressed the audience, discussing the concept of secularism and how it does not conflict with religions. Additionally, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Wadie Batti expressed his gratitude to the conference organizers and spoke about the status of women in religions, as well as Arab and Eastern cultures.
The conference consisted of two sessions. The first session was chaired by Father Dr. Amir Jaje, Vice President of Domuni University, during which four research papers were presented. The second session was chaired by Dr. Alaa Shatnan, Director of the UNESCO Chair for Dialogue at the University of Kufa, where six research papers were presented.
