Why it matters:
The remarks echo Iran’s long-standing position that genuine peace cannot emerge under a system dominated by Western hegemony and double standards. Tehran consistently called for multilateral efforts grounded in justice, cultural wisdom, and religious moderation to counter militarism and unilateralism.
Driving the news:
The two-day conference, titled “The Role of Islamic Moderation and Chinese Cultural Wisdom in Global Cooperation,” brought together participants from several countries, including Russia, China, Indonesia, Japan, and others, to explore shared strategies for peace and stability in a world increasingly divided by political and cultural conflicts.
What he's saying:
Hamid Shahriari, Secretary-General of the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought
“All nations must engage in dialogue and joint thinking to find the right path toward global peace,” said Shahriari, emphasizing that mutual understanding, rather than confrontation, is the only sustainable route to harmony among nations.
He warned that “global arrogance,” a reference to Western powers, continues to fuel wars and violence by supporting oppressive regimes.
“Unfortunately, global arrogance, by pursuing actions that lead to war and by backing the oppressors, has created a world full of violence,” Shahriari told the audience.
In his address, Shahriari reaffirmed Iran’s “unwavering support” for the people of Gaza, condemning the “brutal massacres” committed by the “usurping Zionist regime” over the past two years.
“We once again reminded the world of the righteousness of the people of Gaza,” he said, addressing representatives from countries attending the event.
The big picture:
The Jakarta event underscored growing global interest in exploring non-Western frameworks for peace, particularly those drawing on Islamic principles of moderation and Asian philosophies of collective harmony. It also reflected the strengthening intellectual and cultural dialogue between Iran, China, and other nations seeking alternatives to Western-led geopolitical structures.
Delegates at the conference agreed on the urgent need to prevent violence and conflict globally, stressing that moderation, dialogue, and interfaith proximity are key to building a just and lasting peace.
Go deeper:
The Global Peace Conference has become a symbolic platform for countries seeking dialogue outside Western-dominated institutions. This year’s focus on Islamic moderation and Chinese cultural thought represents a growing trend toward multipolar cultural diplomacy, where peace is framed not merely as the absence of war, but as a balance of justice, spirituality, and mutual respect.
Zohre Khazaee - Hossein Vaez
