Doha: HE Dr. Khalid bin Fahad Al Khater, President and Founder of New Ground Research, announced that the Granada Declaration of Principles for Combating Islamophobia and Antisemitism, unveiled at the Doha Forum 2025, provides a strong foundation for international efforts to address these intertwined forms of hatred.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Al Khater emphasized during a press conference that the declaration is the result of three years of rigorous work, involving extensive consultations and discussions across political and academic spheres. The initiative aims to create a unified framework to combat both Islamophobia and antisemitism, recognizing the historical tendency to treat these issues in isolation. The declaration seeks to dispel the misconception that Muslims and Jews inherently harbor hostility toward each other, a narrative often used for political gain to the detriment of both communities.
Dr. Al Khater highlighted that modern expressions of Islamophobia often echo the rhetoric and policies historically directed against Jewish communities in Europe, revealing significant parallels between the two. The Granada Declaration is positioned as a cornerstone for uniting global efforts to fight these prejudices.
He further clarified that the Granada Declaration aligns with international human rights standards and the priorities of the United Nations, offering a practical framework for implementation in education, human rights, and social policy. The document calls on governments, institutions, businesses, and organizations to incorporate its principles into educational, media, regulatory, and legal frameworks, marking a pivotal step towards a new international strategy.
HE Alvaro Renedo Zalba, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Qatar, underscored the urgent need for simultaneous action against Islamophobia and antisemitism, advocating for global unity to reduce division and foster community connections, a vision symbolized by Granada.
Simona Cruciani from the Office of the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide expressed optimism that the Granada Declaration will pave the way for a comprehensive approach to combating all forms of discrimination. She emphasized the initiative’s potential to enhance cooperation in developing effective strategies against Islamophobia and antisemitism, pledging her full support.
The session featured insights from experts involved in drafting the declaration. Professor Brian Klug from the University of Oxford noted the intertwined nature of antisemitism and Islamophobia, which often emerge together, stressing the necessity of addressing both concurrently. He affirmed that the Granada Declaration offers a clear framework for this endeavor.
The declaration was drafted after a series of sessions in Doha and a pivotal roundtable in Granada, Spain, chosen for its historical significance as a symbol of coexistence and mutual prosperity among diverse communities.