1- National dialogue is a novel idea. In your opinion, how does it affect establishing means of communication among the society so as to reinforce convergency and national unity?
Self expression is crucial for national unity. We are constantly engaged in conversations and dialogues; at home, schools and mosques. Hence, it is important to know how to successfully run a conversation so that it leads to fruitful results. Also, if the main principles of dialogue aren't taken into consideration, problems will arise. On the other hand, rational dialogues will definitely result in convergency and unity.
2- What are the effects of King Abdul Aziz Center for National dialogue on promoting dialogue among the society? In your opinion, what are possible future contributions of the Center?
There is no doubt that a Center like KACND which carries the name of the King has captured the attention of all segments of the society including men and women of different scientific majors, ages and interests. It is a well known fact that dialogue is a culture and a way of education as well. Therefore, in order to achieve the desired goals, all institutions in the society should team up for generations to come. For example, the Ministry of Education plays a major role in addressing and educating the youth. Thus, there should be a means of cooperation with it to incorporate the culture of dialogue in its curriculums. Another example is the Ministry of Culture and Media which can directly contribute in promoting dialogue through audio and video means of communication.
Moreover, we shouldn't overpass civil institutions, social clubs and activities in mosques. The Center should contact such institutions to provide them with necessary material, support them, and collaborate with them to hold beneficial dialogue training courses and programs.
3- In your perspective, what are the disadvantages of electronic dialogue, and what do you suggest to overcome such disadvantages?
The main issue we face when having e-dialogues is not being able to identify people involved in them. e-dialogues have even been compared to graffiti. However, if e-dialogues are controlled by a trustworthy organization such as KACND and people are identified through registering on the Center's database, then e-dialogues will be more serious and beneficial.
4- In a time of national and international changes, what do you expect from those participating in meetings and discussing crucial issues?
First of all, I would like to remind my self and participants of the importance of having faith in Allah. After that comes prioritizing public and national interests, not personal ones. Because elevating the way we think and respecting each other will definitely serve personal interests. Thus, creating a civilized society where people feel secure and which they love. Also, traditions and customs should be considered, not denied. In addition, we should differentiate between issues relating to religion and those relating to traditions to find fruitful common grounds on which dialogue can be based.
5- What are the most important means of communication to promote dialogue in your opinion?
Media, media, and media. Media is the most successful means to promote dialogue because it addresses millions of people. I hope that the Center utilizes such a means by opening its own channel, or through broadcasting daily or weekly programs of the Center on other channels. I also hope that the Center promotes dialogue through broadcasting short educational clips and advertisements ,such as those advertised by anti-smoke groups, via visual, audio, and read means of media. We should also keep in mind the fact that the Internet has become an affective tool in this regard. The Center's website has been a successful step towards expanding its goals. What is needed now is to further promote the Center's website and provide more services through it so that more users contribute in the website.
