Montreal, Jan. 9, 2017 – Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is proud to host writer and philosopher Professor Tariq Ramadan for a five city Canadian speaking tour visiting Calgary, Edmonton, London, Mississauga, and Toronto between Jan. 18^th and 21^st.  Prof. Ramadan will deliver a political talk entitled, Creating Thriving Societies in Troubling Times.  In the wake of current events in Europe and North America, CJPME considers Ramadan’s visit to be extremely timely and useful to the Canadian discourse on international peace, security and harmony.  Prof. Ramadan’s talk is intended to address the preoccupations of both the West and the Muslim world in the face of the shifting world alliances, East-West perceptions, international terrorism, ongoing conflicts, and massive refugee movements.  

Swiss-born, Prof. Ramadan is currently a Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies in the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Oxford University, UK. Prof. Ramadan is foremost known for his writings and guidance for Muslims in the West, and for his analysis on majority Muslim countries. The focus of his talks will be the varied international reactions to current events, and how Western societies and their Muslim citizens can respond constructively.

CJPME is delighted to host Prof. Ramadan and believes his lecture will enrich the debate in Canada. “Almost every day, there is news of increased international tension,” says Thomas Woodley, CJPME’s president. “Ramadan is a thinker who is able to propose solutions that help Western society to adapt to new international realities.”  CJPME believes that the rise of Islamophobia in Canada can be clearly linked to Western perceptions of movements and developments being observed in the Middle East and North Africa today.  “There are fears on all sides, and there is fanaticism on all sides,” asserts Woodley, “and Prof. Ramadan’s talks should help Canadian audiences better understand these movements and upheavals in their context.”

Having published over 30 books, and having lectured extensively, Prof. Ramadan has expanded and deepened the debate around questions of Islam and the West, and Islamic movements in the Muslim world. He speaks frequently throughout the world on ethics, social justice, faith and ecology, and participates regularly in interfaith as well as intercultural dialogue.

Professional journalists seeking interviews with Prof. Ramadan should contact CJPME’s national office in advance at 438 380 5410.

About CJPME – Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is a non-profit and secular organization bringing together men and women of all backgrounds who labour to see justice and peace take root again in the Middle East. Its mission is to empower decision-makers to view all sides with fairness and to promote the equitable and sustainable development of the region.

For more information, please contact Patricia Jean at 438-380-5410.
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East - www.cjpme.org

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