Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal (middle), Chairman of the Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation-Global, with some scholars in a forum at The Alwaleed Bin Talal Islamic Studies Program at Harvard University. JEDDAH – Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, Chairman of the Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation-Global (registered in Lebanon) and Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel, Vice-Chairwoman of the Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation, hosted an historic gathering of leading scholars and global thought leaders on Islam and the West at The Alwaleed Bin Talal Islamic Studies Program at Harvard University. Participating in the forum were leading global scholars who serve as Directors of the six Prince Alwaleed Academic Centers located at the world's most prestigious universities, including: Harvard University: Director Ali Asani from The Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Islamic Studies Program; Georgetown University: Director John Esposito from The Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding; Cambridge University: Director Yasir Suleiman from The Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre of Islamic Studies; Edinburgh University: Director Hugh Goddard from The Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World; American University in Cairo: Director Magda Shahin from The Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Abdulaziz Alsaud Center for American Studies; American University in Beirut: Director Alex LuBin from The Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Center for American Studies and Research. Alwaleed said "this dialogue strengthens the cultural bridge between East and West." He noted that "what has taken place in some Arab countries -Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria- has brought an earthquake to the Arab region. This message is clear: no matter how much social change you make in your country or economic benefits you bestow on your people, it will not be enough. Change must occur whereby the people feel they are involved, have a voice and can participate in the system." Ameerah saidd: "Today's important discussion showed that Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation has not only established critical centers of thought at the world's most prestigious Universities but has also drawn the world's leading scholars and thought-leaders to direct them. Their work is breaking new ground every day and bringing solutions to some of the most difficult issues of our time. As a result of our meetings, the centers will continue this vital mission with greater coordination and a stronger voice. These brilliant leaders together with the young minds they are guiding and shaping are changing outdated thinking, creating new paradigms and bringing a positive message of hope and understanding to a world desperate for both." A highlight of the two-day meeting was a fascinating and thought-provoking discussion on the current state of relations between the Islamic World and the West and the most effective ways to strengthen cross-cultural ties and understanding in 2012 and beyond. The panel discussion was moderated by Nicholas Burns, renowned foreign affairs expert and Harvard professor of the Practice of Diplomacy and International Politics at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. The discussion centered on the implementation of visionary educational programs and curricula designed to break down stereotypes and misinformation about the West and Islam, while instilling tolerance and a more profound understanding.
