Doha: - Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) will host the 17th World Congress of Bioethics. Organized by the Research Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics (CILE) and World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), the global health initiative of Qatar Foundation, the theme of this year’s event is “Religion, Culture and Global Bioethics.”

Taking place on 3-6 June at the Qatar National Convention Centre, this will be the first time the International Association of Bioethics (IAB) has staged its flagship event in the Arab world and the entire Middle East, a move which has prompted organizers to include the new feature of panels and sessions conducted in the Arabic language. The decision to bring the Congress to Qatar also reflects the IAB’s commitment to facilitating cross-cultural discussions on bioethics involving bioethicists from all parts of the world. To assist, the Congress’ focus on the interplay between religion, culture, and bioethics has been designed to attract more voices and perspectives for constructive dialogue that enhances the global standing of the discipline.

The 17th World Congress of Bioethics will also consider how the post-pandemic world continues to raise myriad bioethical and environmental questions and dilemmas. These include the growing use of artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies in healthcare around the world, a setting that often provides bioethical challenges and opportunities in equal measure. In response, the Congress will provide a platform for bioethicists to network and discuss these and other issues in greater detail.  Interested participants can register and attend through the website: https://wcb.cilecenter.org/wcb

Speaking ahead of the Congress, Mohammed Ghaly, Head of CILE and Chair of the Congress, said: “The decision of the IAB to entrust this edition of the Congress to a research institute based in the Arab and Muslim world marks a significant milestone in the field of bioethics, and stands as a testament to the impactful contributions made by CILE, HBKU, and WISH within this field. Hosting this prestigious event in Qatar provides a unique opportunity to convene diverse voices and perspectives, fostering critical dialogues that shape contemporary bioethical

discourse. These include researchers and scholars from the Middle East, Arab-Muslim World, and Asia, regions that have typically been underrepresented at previous editions of the Congress. We are also grateful for WISH for their unwavering support as a co-organizer and look forward to hosting academics, bioethicists, and other professionals from around the world throughout the Congress proceedings. Together, we embark on a journey of exploration, collaboration, and advancement in the field of bioethics.”

Representing WISH, Sultana Afdhal, Co-chair of the World Congress of Bioethics, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with HBKU to co-host the 17th edition of this event, which brings together the world's leading thought-leaders and academics in the field of bioethics. Since its inception, WISH has also been a proud partner of HBKU’s Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics (CILE). Over the past 10 years, we have co-published numerous reports addressing critical issues in public health and biomedical sciences from an Islamic ethical perspective. These reports have  influenced policy and driven change in Qatar and the region. We are immensely proud of this ongoing partnership and look forward to welcoming everyone to Doha for what promises to be an exceptionally thought-provoking and enriching experience."

HBKU’s CIS provides a unique platform for critical intellectual debates on Islam in a global context through its blended academic programs, immersive learning experience, and distinguished research division, which includes several research centers, including the Research Center of Islamic Legislation & Ethics (CILE).

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About Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Innovating Today, Shaping Tomorrow

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), was founded in 2010 as a research-intensive university that acts as a catalyst for transformative change in Qatar and the region while having global impact. Located in Education City, HBKU is committed to building and cultivating human capacity through an enriching academic experience, innovative ecosystem, and unique partnerships. HBKU delivers multidisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs through its colleges, and provides opportunities for research and scholarship through its institutes and centers. For more information about HBKU, visit www.hbku.edu.qa.

About The Research Center for Islamic Legislation & Ethics

The Research Center for Islamic Legislation & Ethics (CILE) is a leading institution in the field of Islamic Ethics, renowned for its academic excellence and global collaborations. CILE has organized numerous international conferences, seminars, and events in partnership with prestigious institutions worldwide. It has also launched the Scopus-Indexed Journal of Islamic Ethics and the book-series Studies in Islamic Ethics, published by Brill. In 2019, CILE introduced the innovative M.A. program "Applied Islamic Ethics," the first of its kind. Guided by a commitment to explore Islam's contributions to global morality, CILE's interdisciplinary research and educational initiatives span theoretical and applied ethics across religious and secular frameworks.

About the World Innovation Summit for Health

The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) is a global healthcare community dedicated to capturing and disseminating the best evidence-based ideas and practices. WISH is an initiative of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) and is under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, its Chairperson.

The inaugural WISH Summit took place in Doha in 2013 and convened more than 1,000 global healthcare leaders. Through international summits and a range of ongoing initiatives, WISH is creating a global community of leading Innovators in healthcare policy, research, and industry.

Together, they are harnessing the power of innovation to overcome the world’s most urgent healthcare challenges and inspire other stakeholders to action.

Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy. QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond by providing specialized programs across its innovation-focused ecosystem of education, research and development, and community development.

QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education. Today, QF’s world-class education system offers lifelong learning opportunities to community members as young as six months through to doctoral level, enabling graduates to thrive in a global environment and contribute to the nation’s development.

QF is also creating a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar, where homegrown researchers are working to address local and global challenges. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and fostering social engagement through programs that embody Qatari culture, QF is committed to empowering the local community and contributing to a better world for all.

For a complete list of QF’s initiatives and projects, please visit: www.qf.org.qa.