Empowering young people with knowledge and skills is the definitive path to fully capitalising on the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, the Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, said during an address at an international youth conference in Malaysia. The minister attended the conference as part of a broader trip to participate in the 3rd International Summit of Religious Leaders 2026.
Building the youth constitutes an investment made for the future, Minister Shaheem said, underscoring that equipping young demographics with knowledge, ethics, and skills is the necessary approach to confront modern challenges and fully grasp the opportunities of the digital revolution and artificial intelligence.
Extending gratitude for the impeccable organisation of the conference, the minister formally thanked the Malaysian government, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and the Malaysian government’s religious affairs department. Minister Shaheem also directed high praise toward Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, for their steadfast service to Islam and Muslims, alongside their ongoing efforts to promote moderation, justice, coexistence, and peace.
The 3rd International Summit of Religious Leaders has drawn a substantial global presence, with more than 1,500 leaders from 31 countries in attendance. Discussions at the summit are systematically structured around four primary themes: fostering social cohesion and mutual respect; empowering youth through the avenues of education and leadership; devising actionable solutions to the contemporary challenges facing young demographics; and examining the specific role of religious scholars in youth development.