RIYADH, 1 February — The World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) has invited research papers (in English or Arabic) for its Ninth International Conference on "Muslim Youth and Globalization", to be held here from Oct. 22 to 25.

"Muslim scholars, intellectuals and dawa activists can participate in this conference, which will be dedicated to the challenges facing Muslim youth," Dr. Manie Al-Johani, secretary-general of WAMY, told Arab News.

He was speaking at the launch of "Muslim Youth", an illustrated English monthly, following its becoming independent from the "Islamic Future", which was a bilingual (Arabic/English) publication.

The editor-in-chief of the new journal is Dr. Saleh I. Babear, assistant secretary-general of WAMY.

Explaining the significance of the seminar, Dr. Al-Johani said globalization has led to the dismantling of socio-cultural and national barriers, especially because of the impact of the IT revolution and the satellite telecommunications network.

"But Islam introduced the concept of global consciousness 14 centuries ago," the WAMY chief said, adding that the upcoming conference will address the various challenges in this context.

The topics of the bilingual conference are: "Youth and economic liberalization"; "Cultural and information freedom"; "Youth and political consciousness"; "Cultural and educational liberalization"; "Dawa and Globalization".

Intending participants should submit their abstracts before June 1 and the research papers themselves by Aug. 2. Entries received after these respective dates will not be entertained.

Speaking on the new format of "Muslim Youth", Dr. Babear referred to the readership of the now defunct "Islamic Future".

"Almost 50 percent of our readers are drawn from non-Arab countries. Sending them copies in its old bilingual format was a waste of resources," he observed.

The new journal will provide comprehensive coverage of issues relating to Muslim youths, as well as Islamic issues of concern to the community. The magazine will welcome contributions from its readers.

"Articles that relate success stories are especially welcome, both from male and female writers," Dr. Babear said.