RIYADH, 31 July 2005 — British Ambassador Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, addressing key officials of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), called for practical programs to develop mutual understanding among nations and civilizations.
“There is a need to establish institutions in Saudi universities to study Western civilization,” Sir Cowper-Coles said. The roundtable discussions chaired by Dr. Saleh Al-Wohaibi, WAMY secretary-general, included its trustees, directors and heads of its various committees.
While outlining the role of students studying in Western universities and those Western students studying Arabic language in Arab countries, the envoy said teaching Western civilization in Saudi universities would build a cultural bridge between the East and the West.
Stressing the need for understanding and rapprochement between civilizations and nations, the ambassador pointed out that basic morals and ethics are similar in every civilization, especially in matters that concern dealings with others.
The ambassador thanked WAMY for its efforts at rapprochement with various civilizations and for its contribution toward charitable projects.
“I think your charitable pursuits are tremendous because we find poor and needy in every society,” he told WAMY officials. From a humanitarian point of view, he said, it was everyone’s duty to undertake benevolent activities to alleviate the suffering of deserving people. “This is what WAMY is doing now,” he added.
Sir Cowper-Coles commended the interactive efforts made by WAMY with foreign missions in the Kingdom to build a better understanding among peoples and their values.
Touching on problems of the young, the ambassador said: “Some of them lead young men to violence, terrorism and extremism.” He advised that constructive steps be taken to solve their problems.
Dr. Wohaibi, who described the discussions as fruitful, said lack of cultural interaction among people of various civilizations and faiths has resulted in misunderstandings and misconceptions. He endorsed the envoy’s view that a separate department should be established for the study of Western civilization in the Kingdom’s universities.
Dr. Wohaibi said: “Although we have arrangements for such studies in the universities, there should be separate departments in the universities for them since the present set up is inadequate to meet the challenges of the young in rapidly changing society.”
Such programs of studies would kindle the academic interests of young Saudis to learn more about Western civilization, he said.
Dr. Wohaibi said his organization is keen on developing new areas of cooperation with Britain and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on humanitarian and welfare work in the United Kingdom.
He said the envoy’s visit is part of WAMY’s program to have intellectual dialogues with foreign diplomats. “This will develop stronger bonds of friendship through mutual understanding of their aspirations, culture, civilization and values,” he added.
