Riyadh, December 30, 2024 – On Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, alongside Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan, officially inaugurated the Fellowship of Moderation and Fairness program for scholarship students. The program, which was launched at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs headquarters in Riyadh, is a strategic initiative designed to promote moderation and fairness among young leaders and future ambassadors of Islam.
The Fellowship of Moderation and Fairness is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the Ministry of Education, Saudi universities, and donor institutions from the non-profit sector. Its primary objective is to offer an integrated training system that combines academic rigor with practical applications, empowering scholarship students to be champions of moderation within their communities. The program aims to equip international students at Saudi universities with the tools to address contemporary challenges and contribute positively to their home countries, promoting a cooperative and prosperous future.
In his address at the launch ceremony, Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh emphasized that the program embodies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving Islam and the global Muslim community. He highlighted the Kingdom’s pioneering role in promoting moderation, grounded in authentic Islamic traditions and principles. The program’s innovative approach aims to foster not only cognitive excellence but also leadership skills, transcending traditional training methods to prepare graduates for meaningful contributions to global peace and stability.
Dr. Tareef Al-Alaama, President of King Abdulaziz University, noted that the Fellowship of Moderation and Fairness had its inception during the summer of 2024, with the support of the Endowment of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for His Parents. Under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the program attracted significant interest, with approximately 300 male and female applicants from diverse nationalities. After a thorough selection process, 60 outstanding students, representing 40 different countries, were chosen to participate in the fellowship.
A notable aspect of the program is its commitment to fostering global inclusivity. Ten seats have been reserved in honor of the Minister of Islamic Affairs for exceptional students from Muslim minority communities worldwide. These students, recognized for their efforts in promoting moderation and combating extremism, will be given the opportunity to further their education and leadership development in Saudi Arabia.
The Fellowship of Moderation and Fairness has garnered significant financial support, with the General Authority of Awqaf, the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Foundation for Developmental Housing, and the Alrajhi Endowment pledging nearly SAR 4 million to the initiative. These contributions underscore the importance of the program and its alignment with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs' broader mission to spread the values of moderation and fairness, in line with the visionary directives of Saudi Arabia’s leadership.
This groundbreaking program is not only an academic initiative but also a global call for positive change, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s leadership in fostering peace, understanding, and moderation on the international stage. By nurturing the next generation of leaders, the Fellowship of Moderation and Fairness aims to create a lasting impact that transcends borders, advancing the Kingdom’s commitment to a harmonious and inclusive future for all.
