Moderation is one of the religious and cultural characteristics that many societies aspire to promote and implement in practice through responsible political, economic, and social behavior for both individuals and groups.
King Abdulaziz University has adopted a policy of dialogue and interaction with different cultures, striving to invite the world to conscious cultural coexistence, rejecting all causes of division, extremism, injustice, and tyranny. The university has worked to open up to others, building human relationships and bridges of communication and mutual respect. However, all of this requires a balanced academic understanding that contributes to increasing the clarity of King Abdulaziz University's efforts in promoting moderation, clarifying its various dimensions, and embedding this understanding in the minds of youth to protect them from extremist ideas and ideologies, strengthen national identity, and promote social unity.
This explains the great interest in moderation by the Prince of Moderation, His Royal Highness Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Governor of Makkah Region, who initiated the promotion of moderation through the "Prince Khaled Al-Faisal Chair for Moderation." This initiative had a significant impact and wide resonance at the local, Arab, and international levels. It was approved to transform the chair into a permanent center bearing his name, overseen by King Abdulaziz University. On 24th of Muharram, 1440 AH, the Minister of Education issued a decision to rename the "Prince Khaled Al-Faisal Center for Moderation" to the "Prince Khaled Al-Faisal Institute for Moderation" at King Abdulaziz University, highlighting the vital role the university plays in this field.
Prince Khaled Al-Faisal Institute for Moderation:
The institute serves as an essential and effective platform for promoting the culture of moderation across Saudi society, spreading values of tolerance, and strengthening the spirit of citizenship.
Institute Vision:
To lead in embedding the principles of moderation intellectually and academically.
Institute Mission:
To establish the principles of moderation in society through educational, research, and awareness programs, and effective partnerships.
Strategic Goals:
- Academic Excellence
- Building cognitive, skill-based, and emotional capacities in the fields of intellectual security, counter-terrorism, and extremism prevention.
- Enhancing the quality of scientific research
- Creating a positive impact on society
- Enabling institutional sustainability.
Work Streams:
Education:
- Developing specialized academic programs in the fields of intellectual security, counter-terrorism, and extremism prevention.
- Enhancing the educational environment and teaching services for academic programs.
Training and Development:
- Training and professionally preparing national cadres in the fields of intellectual security, counter-terrorism, and extremism prevention, in line with societal needs.
Scientific Research:
- Conducting research and scientific studies using diverse research methodologies and techniques.
- Cultivating an environment supportive of scientific research activities and peer-reviewed publications.
Community Responsibility:
- Implementing specialized programs and initiatives to spread the culture of moderation and combat terrorism and extremism among all segments of society, while enhancing the Kingdom's image locally and internationally.
- Producing and creating diverse media content that contributes to enhancing and spreading the culture and values of moderation, while addressing issues related to extremism, terrorism, violence, and racism.
Institutional Sustainability
- Preparing the institute for local and international awards.
- Preparing the institute for institutional and programmatic accreditation.
- Enhancing performance efficiency and boosting productivity.
- Activating agreements and partnerships with local and international entities.
To view the details of the institute, click here.
The institute organizes various courses, activities, and programs that facilitate open and unbiased discussions among participants.
On May 13, 2024, King Abdulaziz University, represented by the Prince Khalid Al-Faisal Center for Moderation, organized a scientific forum titled “Intellectual Security and Combating Violent Extremism” for postgraduate students.
The forum was held over two days with the participation of 96 male and female researchers from various disciplines. It included several scientific sessions and accompanying activities. During the forum, 36 research papers and 18 scientific posters were presented, in addition to two training courses and two workshops.
This forum serves as an important platform for the exchange of ideas and expertise among researchers and specialists in the field of intellectual security and combating extremism, and it contributes to enhancing the research capabilities of postgraduate students and developing their academic skills. (link)
On Monday, Jumada Al-Akhirah 8, 1446 AH, corresponding to December 9, 2024, the Moderation Institute held a training course titled “The Right to Belonging and Citizenship in Saudi Law.” (link)
In conjunction with the International Day for Tolerance, the Moderation Institute organized a training course for university students on the values of tolerance, on Tuesday, 17 Jumada al-Awwal 1446 AH, corresponding to November 19, 2024. (link)
On the occasion of the 94th Saudi National Day, the Moderation Institute organized a seminar titled “National Belonging” on Thursday, 23 Rabi ‘al-Awwal 1446 AH, corresponding to September 26, 2024.
(link)
On May 1, 2024, a delegation from King Abdulaziz University participated in the International Conference on the Role of Universities in Promoting National Belonging and Peaceful Coexistence, held under the generous patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. (link)
On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, King Abdulaziz University, represented by the Prince Khaled Al-Faisal Institute for Moderation, in collaboration with the Deanship of Student Affairs, organized a discussion session titled "Together Against Corruption."
During the session, the following topics were discussed:
Behavioral drivers of fraud in the public sector
The impact of moderation and balance in combating administrative corruption
King Abdulaziz University's enablers in fighting corruption
On December 30, 2024, His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, and His Excellency Mr. Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, Minister of Education, launched the “Moderation Fellowship Program” for international scholarship students at King Abdulaziz University.
The program is supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in partnership with the Ministry of Education, through King Abdulaziz University, represented by the Scientific Endowment. The program aims to prepare influential leaders capable of promoting the principles of moderation and balance in their communities and combating extremism and fanaticism, while applying a precise measurement methodology to ensure the achievement of its intended objectives. (link)
During the inauguration, His Excellency the President of King Abdulaziz University announced the allocation of ten scholarship chairs named after His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs. These chairs aim to support outstanding students from Muslim communities around the world who have the potential to make a positive impact in their societies. (link)