“The international conference themed ‘Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas’ held in Baku presents an important opportunity to address the growing threat of Islamophobia on a global scale and to reaffirm our common stance against the emerging challenges of the digital age,” said António de Almeida-Ribeiro, Acting Secretary General of the International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID, at the plenary session titled "Global Trends in Islamophobia: Challenges and Responses" held as part of the conference.

“While digital platforms offer great potential for education and advocacy, they have unfortunately also become fertile ground for hate speech. Islamophobic expressions on social media have increased by 21%,” the KAICIID Acting Secretary General noted.

He emphasized that bringing together religious leaders can serve as a powerful means to promote mutual understanding and respect among different faiths, while also strengthening efforts to combat discrimination.