At the international conference organized through the collaboration of the Hayreddin Pasha Foundation and CIGA Center for Islam and Global Affairs, the need for the Islamic world’s strategic independence and democratic consensus was discussed in light of the ideas of imprisoned thinker Rached Ghannouchi.
Hosted by Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, the conference titled “Ummah and Sovereignty: Toward a Comprehensive Strategy of Consensus” brought together discussions on the position of the Islamic world within the global system and its internal dynamics. CIGA Director Prof. Dr. Sami Al-Arian argued that the weakness of Muslims stems not from numerical insufficiency, but from a departure from core values and the loss of sovereignty. Speakers emphasized that the fifty-year struggle of Tunisian leader Rached Ghannouchi, who was the central focus of the conference, symbolizes the broader challenges faced by the Islamic world. They stressed that Muslim societies must build their own distinctive civilizational project in order to gain “internal immunity” against external intervention.
“ISTANBUL DIALOGUES” PROPOSED FOR A CULTURE OF CONSENSUS
During the sessions, which featured contributions from Ghannouchi’s political advisor Riyad al-Shuaybi and academics from around the world, participants criticized obstacles to democratization processes and unlawful detentions. The event reiterated calls for Ghannouchi’s immediate release in line with United Nations resolutions and emphasized the importance of replacing violence with rational dialogue.
In this context, speakers noted that political stability is a prerequisite for development and stressed the vital importance of returning to the inclusive framework of consensus advocated by Ghannouchi in order to establish lasting social peace.
A 10-POINT STRATEGIC ROADMAP WAS ANNOUNCED
At the conclusion of the conference, a set of recommendations proposing concrete steps for resolving crises in the Islamic world was announced. These included the establishment of an annual “Istanbul Dialogues” forum and the creation of an international intellectual award in Ghannouchi’s name.
In addition, participants called for the adoption of a six-point declaration encompassing full independence, social justice, and a political will free from external influence. They also emphasized that an Istanbul-based intellectual platform should assume strategic mediation roles and develop policy solutions for conflict regions.