Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and Common Citizenship

[ 97 ] — PANEL DISCUSSION FOUR — I think that social media has sparked a revolution for all of those who have been isolated because of those teachings and beliefs. Thanks to social media and our natural desire to know about the Other, the recommendations of our fearful fathers and mothers have been disregarded. In seconds, we are able to learn what’s happening in mosques, churches, and other houses of worship around the world. Now we are able to travel around the world with just the click of a button. I personally was unaware of the impor- tance and power of social media. I had a Twitter account but I hated it because I thought it wouldn’t reach many people. Then, in November 2012, I posted some tweets about personal thoughts. I thought that only a small group of fol- lowers would see them. However, I was surprised to see that my tweets were widely published and shared, even reaching several extrem- ist leaders. Some of them even cursed me. Followers who had originally been distant suddenly became more interested in me. Some tried to prevent me from writing or posting fur- ther. This made me aware of the importance and the power of communicating through social media. What did I do? Well, just like most of you, I was raised in a conservative family. After this experience, I disregarded all of the former rules and restrictions I’d been taught and, instead, adopted a policy of openness. I had a strategy — I decided to talk with everyone, regardless of their cultural, ethnic, or religious affiliations. My only condition was that we needed to practice mutual respect. I know that each one of you has had your own experiences and challenges and I’m sure you’ve been attacked by radicals or extremists, who fear dialogue and change. When we are in the public spotlight, it does not mean that we automatically become more prosperous or that life is easier for us. On the contrary, it means that we have greater responsibilities and increased duties that we need to face with wisdom and courage. Our societies are quite complex, espe- cially given the legacy of our tendency to silence dialogue. The good news is that today we have a platform, which others used to dream about. What if Aristotle or Picasso had been able to explore and utilise this kind of platform? Our main task now is to be firm in our path and to be aware that everyone is watching us. The ground is prepared to sow the seeds of tolerance. I lost my own son in a terror attack against one of the provinces in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the aftermath, everyone was watching my social media posts to see my reac- tion. I was so angry and sad. If I had written something out of anger and grief, everyone would have understood. However, I knew that whatever I wrote would reach a large audience and I wanted to use this position to deliver a clear message. That is why I decided to call upon unity and to encourage others not to let terror attacks divide us. Many were sur- prised, especially when I offered my sympathy to the mother of one of the suicide bombers who killed my son. We have to combat extremism with tolerance. We have to make any effort necessary in light of the new path the world has taken. It’s not about superficial acts, such as wearing the same clothes or eating the same food. We have to be deeply aware that others dream and suffer just as we do. Our mission as influencers in societies is to show people these common- alities. We need to work with them hand-in-hand, and encourage them to engage in healthy and sound dialogue. This is how we save people. Ms. Kowther Al-Arbash Social media influencer, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ms. Kowther Al-Arbash is a Saudi journalist and writer. She is known as an outspoken critic of sectarianism during the past couple of years, especially after the loss of her son who stopped an ISIS attack on a mosque. Ms. Al-Arbash became a member of the Saudi Shura Council (KSA) and earned the Woman Leader in Media Excellence Award. She also serves on the board of the King Abdulaziz Centre for National Dialogue (KACND). Our main task now is to be firm in our path and to be aware that everyone is watching us. The ground is prepared to sow the seeds of tolerance