The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Thailand participated in the interfaith dialogue session

The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Thailand participated in the interfaith dialogue session entitled “Global Challenges and Religious Leaders and Scholars Responsibilities” and delivered a speech.

In this session, he reiterated that we live in an era where our challenges are no longer local or regional. If a wound is inflicted upon the environment in one part of the earth, its infection affects all of humanity. If the fire of extremism flares up in one corner, its smoke will burn the eyes of everyone. In this midst, a grave responsibility rests upon the shoulders of two great groups: religious leaders, who hold the keys to beating hearts, and thinkers, who have lit the lamp of reason in the dark path of the future.

The truth is that reason and faith are the two wings of humanity's flight, which in recent centuries, we have sometimes mistakenly placed in opposition. But today, we need a "New Union." We need reason illuminated by the light of spirituality, and faith polished by wisdom, cleansed of superstition and prejudice.

The meeting was held in cooperation with Mahachulalongkorn University and hosted by the Cultural Center of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the participation of thinkers, leaders, and religious elites from different religions, and provided a platform for discussion on the role of religions in facing global crises and challenges.

The event was attended by high-ranking Buddhist leaders from Sri Lanka and Malaysia, both of whom are the heads and supreme authorities of the Buddhist community in their countries. Representatives from Christian peace groups also participated in the meeting.

Full text of the Speech of the Ambassador:

First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the organizers of today's seminar. In particular, I wish to thank His Excellency, Dr. Imani-pour, and the Honorable President of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I would also like to appreciate the presence of other esteemed scholars and intellectuals.
Upon seeing the title of this seminar, I reflected on what could be said regarding global challenges and the responsibility of religious leaders and thinkers. I concluded that the fundamental discussion pertains to the convergence of faith and reason—a common ground among all divine religions, especially the enlightened religion of Islam. Therefore, I present a brief piece titled: "In Praise of Faith and Reason for Solving Global Challenges."
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Speech Title: In Praise of Reason and Faith; For the Future of the World
In the name of the Lord of Life and Wisdom. Distinguished guests, esteemed thinkers, and honorable leaders of divine faiths:
We gather today in a world that, despite being technologically and geographically connected, suffers from a deep fragmentation of meaning. A world where the sound of technological advancement is so loud that the cries of nature for help and the moans of the oppressed are often lost in the clamor.
We live in an era where our challenges are no longer local or regional. If a wound is inflicted upon the environment in one part of the earth, its infection affects all of humanity. If the fire of extremism flares up in one corner, its smoke will burn the eyes of everyone. In this midst, a grave responsibility rests upon the shoulders of two great groups: religious leaders, who hold the keys to beating hearts, and thinkers, who have lit the lamp of reason in the dark path of the future.
Our crisis today is not merely a crisis of resource scarcity or technological inability, but a crisis of "ethics" and "responsibility." When we look at climate change, before facing a meteorological phenomenon, we are facing the result of insatiable human greed that has turned the divine trust of the Earth into a commodity for fleeting and immediate interests.
Here, religious leaders have a responsibility to build a new theology based on respect for life and to teach their followers that worshipping the Creator passes through the path of guarding His creations. A religious leader today is one who promotes peace not just in words, but as a divine necessity for preserving human dignity, ensuring that the holy name of religion is never used as a tool for division and violence.
On the other hand, our thinkers and intellectuals act as watchmen in this turbulent sea, who must see the destination beyond short horizons. The responsibility of today's thinker is not summarized in theorizing; they must be the awakened conscience of society. In the age of AI and genetic engineering, where human power has reached dazzling frontiers, it is the thinkers who must ask, "Where are we going?" They must bridge the gap between raw knowledge and human values, preventing humans from being forgotten in the cold gears of economic and political structures.
My friends, the truth is that reason and faith are the two wings of humanity's flight, which in recent centuries, we have sometimes mistakenly placed in opposition. But today, we need a "New Union." We need reason illuminated by the light of spirituality, and faith polished by wisdom, cleansed of superstition and prejudice.
In conclusion, let us remember that history will judge us—not by the beautiful speeches we deliver, but by the practical steps we take to reduce the suffering of our fellow humans.
Addressing religious leaders, the Word of Revelation is the best reminder of their heavy responsibility. The Holy Quran states: "Those who deliver the messages of Allah and fear Him, and do not fear anyone but Allah. And sufficient is Allah as a Reckoner" (Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse 39). This verse teaches us that a religious leader's mission is not just repeating rituals, but standing courageously to convey the truth and establish justice.
And to you, the thinkers, Rumi (Molana) depicts the responsibility of "awareness" with great elegance: "Whoever is more awake, is more in pain; whoever is more aware, has a paler face." Rumi warns us that awareness should not lead to pride or isolation; true "awakening" makes one sensitive to human suffering.
Let us leave this meeting with a shared commitment to bring religion into the sphere of solving environmental and social problems and to turn thought into a tool for promoting peace. Tomorrow’s world is the fruit of the seeds we plant today in the soil of human conscience.
Thank you for your patience and attention.