The World Congress of Bioethics (WCB) is an esteemed gathering organised by the International Association of Bioethics (IAB). In a historic move, the upcoming congress is set to be hosted in Qatar, marking the first time the event will take place in an Arab country and the Middle East. The conference, scheduled for June 2024, is poised to shed light on the research and perspectives emerging from the Global South, offering a platform for diverse voices and cultures to contribute to the field of bioethics.
Breaking Stereotypes and Widening Perspectives
Traditionally, the World Congress of Bioethics has predominantly taken place in Europe and the United States, with limited representation from other regions. However, the upcoming congress aims to break this pattern by integrating participants from the Global South, including Muslims, Arabs, South Asians, and Africans. The organisers envision a shift away from Western-centric concerns and a focus on the ethical implications of medical procedures, technologies, and treatments from a broader range of perspectives.
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The Role of CILE and HBKU
The Research Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics (CILE) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) will serve as the host for the event, in cooperation with the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH). CILE is committed to promoting interdisciplinary research and collaborations, addressing both theoretical and practical applications of Islamic ethics in contemporary society. By hosting the congress, CILE aims to foster dialogue and understanding among scholars, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and bioethics enthusiasts from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Exploring ‘Religion, Culture, and Bioethics’
A notable aspect of the upcoming congress is the selected theme, ‘Religion, Culture, and Bioethics.’ This marks the first time such a topic has been chosen for the World Congress of Bioethics. The theme intends to elicit critical questions about how Muslim women confront bioethical challenges and foster dialogue on intricate bioethical dilemmas from a non-Judeo-Christian viewpoint. By exploring the intersection of religion, culture, and bioethics, the congress aims to broaden the understanding of ethical considerations across different faiths and belief systems.
Addressing Crucial Bioethical Issues
The World Congress of Bioethics serves as a global platform to address pressing issues that impact healthcare, medical research, and patient well-being. The conference covers a wide range of topics, including patient rights, medical consent, end-of-life care, genetic engineering, reproductive technologies, and privacy concerns surrounding genetic data. Through presentations, panel discussions, and workshops, participants have the opportunity to exchange research, promote collaborations, and share insights from their respective fields of expertise.
Inspiring Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration
One of the key advantages of the upcoming congress is its potential to inspire interdisciplinary research and collaboration. By bringing together scholars, researchers, and professionals from diverse disciplines and cultures, the event encourages a cross-pollination of ideas and perspectives. This interdisciplinary approach can lead to innovative solutions and a more comprehensive understanding of bioethical challenges faced globally. By giving a platform to voices from the Global South, the congress enriches the bioethics discourse with fresh insights and novel approaches.
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The upcoming World Congress of Bioethics in Qatar represents a significant milestone, as it highlights the importance of research and perspectives from the Global South. By hosting the event for the first time in an Arab country and the Middle East, the congress aims to break stereotypes and broaden the scope of bioethics beyond Western-centric concerns. The selected theme, ‘Religion, Culture, and Bioethics,’ reflects a commitment to inclusive dialogue and a deeper exploration of ethical considerations across different faiths and cultures. This groundbreaking congress is set to inspire interdisciplinary research, foster collaborations, and shape the future of bioethics by embracing the diversity of voices and perspectives from around the world.