GCC meeting discusses advancing Islamic and endowment related work

Doha hosted the 11th gathering of assistant ministers focusing on Islamic affairs and endowments across GCC nations. <source>Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, was led by Undersecretary Dr. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Ghanem Al Thani, accompanied by key officials including Director Ali bin Saqr Al Majid, Department of Islamic Affairs Director Mohammed bin Jabr Al Mannai, and Assistant Director General of Endowments Eng. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Meer.</source>

Key topics included sharing academic research, best practices in Islamic affairs, and strategies to boost the impact of endowment activities. Initiatives under discussion aimed to establish a national index measuring endowment outcomes and host a GCC-wide competition to promote awareness of charitable work.

Considerations for architectural identity of religious structures were also explored, balancing traditional design with modern aesthetics. Discussions on cultural exchange between East and West, a GCC scientific observatory, and countering extremist ideas feature prominently.

A focus on the International Day of Endowments highlighted its role in supporting sustainable development and strengthening religious institutions. Participants adopted recommendations to enhance cooperation among GCC nations in Islamic affairs and endowments, to be submitted to the next ministers' meeting for approval.

The importance of these regular meetings in addressing shared challenges and promoting best practices was underscored. Praise was given to GCC ministers, the GCC General Secretariat, and the Permanent Committee of Specialists in Islamic Affairs and Endowments for their collaborative efforts in advancing cooperation among member states.