Youth, Activism, and Art Take Center Stage in Global Fight Against Islamophobia at Baku Conference
Young people are leading the charge against rising Islamophobia through art, activism, and education, according to Oussama Jammal, Secretary General of the Council of Muslim Organizations of the US. He made the remarks during the international conference “Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas,” which brought together more than a hundred foreign delegates, policymakers, and civil society representatives to address the alarming global increase in anti-Muslim sentiment. The event, held in Baku, underscored the urgent need for inclusive dialogue and proactive measures to counter prejudice and misinformation about Islam and Muslims. Recent data from international organizations and advocacy groups reveal a sharp spike in Islamophobic incidents, particularly in Western countries, highlighting the critical importance of the conference’s mission.
Global Context and Statistics
Islamophobia has surged to record levels in recent years, with reported incidents in the United States alone reaching 8,658 cases in 2024—the highest since 1996, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations. The FBI found that anti-Muslim hate in the US increased by 300% in just two months following the escalation of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, a pattern mirrored in Europe and Australia. In Sweden, reported Islamophobic crimes rose to 62 in 2023 from 50 the previous year, while Austria saw 71% of Muslims targeted, followed by Germany and Finland.
The United Nations and global human rights organizations have repeatedly warned of the “alarming levels” of harassment, intimidation, and violence against Muslims, calling for stronger international efforts to promote tolerance and peace. The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia in 2022, urging intensified global action to address the issue. Despite these efforts, the rise of ethno-nationalism, far-right movements, and online hate speech continues to fuel anti-Muslim sentiment worldwide.
A Platform for Dialogue and Action
The two-day international conference, “Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas,” kicked off in Baku on May 26, marking the third anniversary of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Co-organized by the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre, the Center of Analysis of International Relations, and the Baku Initiative Group, the event was supported by prominent international partners, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and the G20 Interfaith Forum.
Participants from nearly 40 countries, including scholars, religious leaders, and NGO representatives, engaged in robust discussions on global trends in Islamophobia, anti-Muslim legislation in Europe, the role of media and artificial intelligence in reinforcing bias, and strategies for youth inclusion. The conference aimed to provide a comprehensive academic and policy-oriented platform to address rising anti-Muslim sentiment and facilitate strategies for countering discrimination and hate speech.
Tackling Prejudice and Misconceptions
A key session of the conference, “Youth Voices for Inclusion: Tackling Prejudice and Misconceptions,” highlighted the pivotal role of young people in combating Islamophobia81. Moderated by Said Mohamed Said Ahmed, General Secretary of the Maore Committee, Union of the Comoros, the panel featured insights from leading experts and youth advocates.
Samir Boudinar, Director of the Al Hokama Center for Peace Research and member of the Muslim Council of Elders’ Executive Office, emphasized the dangers posed by misinformation and stereotypes amplified by artificial intelligence and social media algorithms: “Misinformation spread through algorithms and the rapidly spread stereotypes on social media have contributed to the widespread negative image of Muslims. This not only affects a single religious community but also the social cohesion as a whole,” Boudinar said, according to AZERTAC.
Mohamad Antoni, Chairman of the Institute for Literacy and Education and Executive Director of the Muslim Youth Forum for International Affairs of Indonesia, stressed the shared responsibility of all young people in fighting Islamophobia: “It is also the responsibility of every young person who respects human rights and believes in justice. In this regard, collaboration among young people representing different cultures, religions, and ideas is extremely important,” he told AZERTAC.
Empowering Young People
Oussama Jammal, Secretary General of the Council of Muslim Organizations of the US, underscored the importance of empowering young people to challenge Islamophobic narratives: “Islamophobia feeds on ignorance: whether it is the notion that Islam is something monolithic, the belief that Muslims are supposedly at odds with democratic values, or the view that Islam is incompatible with Western societies. These are all misconceptions that feed fear and disunity. Young people can counter such narratives through art, activism, and education,” he said, according to Trend News Agency.
Jammal provided examples of youth-led initiatives, such as Muslim teenagers blogging about their spiritual journeys, students organizing interfaith events at universities, and digital creators debunking stereotypes on platforms like TikTok1. He emphasized that inclusivity requires active engagement: “Inclusivity is not a passive state. It requires awareness. There needs to be opportunities for young people to speak up, to be heard, and to confront injustice with confidence. Schools, mosques, and community organizations must go beyond formal cultural programs to create space for real conversations about identity, race, and belonging,” Jammal said, as reported by Trend News Agency.
The Dual Impact of Islamophobia: Marginalization and Mobilization
Research from Newcastle University highlights the dual impact of Islamophobia on young Muslims: while it can politically marginalize and silence some, it also prompts resistance and activism in others. Young Muslims engage with political issues through formal organizations, informal networks, online campaigning, and social movements. Still, many also experience anxiety about voicing their opinions due to the fear of being labeled as extremists.
Dr. Robin Finlay, Research Associate at Newcastle University, explained: “Islamophobia has a pervasive presence in the lives of Muslims, influencing and shaping many facets of how they live and participate in society. There is much scrutiny and suspicion put on young Muslims in particular, and their participation in political issues is partly a result of this. They see becoming politically active as a way to be more visible, to challenge Islamophobic attitudes and how Muslims are viewed in society”.
The research also found that young Muslims are reclaiming public spaces through media, film, and other creative professions, using their platforms to challenge and undermine racist and anti-Muslim stereotypes.
Institutionalization of Anti-Muslim Legislation
A panel session at the conference focused on the “Institutionalization of Anti-Muslim Legislation in Europe: Rhetoric in the Context of Radicalization of Islamophobic Propaganda”. Moderated by Alistair Davison, advisor to the Cordoba Peace Institute, the session explored how historical and contemporary perceptions of Islam in Europe have often been distorted by bias and misinformation.
Speakers, including Said Aalla, President of the Great Mosque of Strasbourg, and Abdassamad el Yazidi, Chairman of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, emphasized that the lack of accurate and objective information about Islam leads to fear and hatred among those who are uninformed. The session featured heated debates and underscored the urgency of addressing the complex challenges posed by anti-Muslim legislation and rhetoric in Europe.
The Role of Media, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence
Another critical theme of the conference was the role of media, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence in amplifying Islamophobic biases. Breakout sessions explored how AI systems can embed and amplify Islamophobic content, and how misinformation spread through algorithms contributes to the negative portrayal of Muslims.
The conference also announced the launch of a local observatory platform to monitor and document Islamophobia worldwide, providing a resource for international organizations and policymakers. The aim is to cultivate an environment where people of all faiths coexist harmoniously and where diversity is celebrated.
Global Leaders and Religious Figures Call for Action
The grand imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, has warned of the dangers of rising Islamophobia, calling it “nothing but a product of ignorance regarding the true nature of this great and tolerant religion”. He attributed the rise of anti-Muslim sentiment to “long-standing media campaigns and far-right rhetoric that persistently portray Islam as a religion of violence and extremism—a falsehood that ranks among the greatest lies in contemporary history”.
Al-Tayeb called for an internationally recognized definition of Islamophobia, comprehensive databases documenting crimes against Muslims, and legislation that fosters dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence. His remarks align with the UN’s call for strengthened international efforts to promote a culture of tolerance and peace.
Government Responses and Policy Initiatives
In response to the surge in anti-Muslim hate, governments are taking concrete steps to address the issue. In the UK, a new working group has been established to provide a definition of anti-Muslim hatred/Islamophobia within six months, supporting wider efforts to tackle religiously motivated hate crime5. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stated: “The rise in anti-Muslim hate crime is unacceptable and has no place in our society. That’s why we’ve committed to defining Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia as a crucial step forward in tackling it and creating a society where everyone feels safe and welcome,” according to the UK government.
The working group, chaired by Dominic Grieve KC, will advise the government on how to understand, quantify, and define prejudice, discrimination, and hate crime targeted against Muslims.
International Solidarity and Future Directions
The Baku conference underscored the importance of international solidarity in combating Islamophobia. Participants called for collaboration among governments, civil society, and international organizations to develop comprehensive strategies for addressing anti-Muslim bias, hate speech, and discrimination.
The conference’s outcomes are expected to serve as advisory resources and roadmaps for nation-states grappling with the complex challenges posed by Islamophobia3. The launch of the observatory platform will provide valuable data for monitoring trends and informing policy responses.
Key Takeaways
The international conference in Baku has highlighted the critical role of youth, art, activism, and education in countering Islamophobia, as well as the urgent need for inclusive dialogue and proactive measures to address rising anti-Muslim sentiment. Recent statistics show a dramatic increase in Islamophobic incidents, particularly in the wake of geopolitical conflicts and the rise of far-right movements. Governments and international organizations are responding with new policy initiatives and observatory platforms to monitor and combat hate crimes.
Looking ahead, the fight against Islamophobia will require sustained efforts from all sectors of society, including young people, educators, policymakers, and religious leaders. The Baku conference has set a powerful example of how global dialogue and collaboration can help shatter stigmas, unveil bias, and promote a more inclusive and tolerant world.
“Enlightened and united youth are the most powerful force that can stand against Islamophobia in a more effective manner.”
—Mohamad Antoni, Chairman of the Institute for Literacy and Education, Executive Director of the Muslim Youth Forum for International Affairs of Indonesia, as quoted by AZERTAC