Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, Director General of the Islamic Educational scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) has stressed that new developments coming in the field of human genetics and reproductive technologies are too sensitive and too dangerous as well and it is necessary to debate these issues from various angles in order to reach some consensus. While addressing the International Interfaith Seminar, which is being organized by ISESCO in cooperation with World Islamic Call Society, Human Genetic Alert Group and hosted by University College London, he stated that Innovation in science is our utmost requirement for surviving in future but their unmediated use may pose serious threats to our own civilization. Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri stated that religion in general and faith in particular play a greater role in our societies, ignoring these arguments asserts that what we decide among ourselves may not be accepted by public at large. The voices from various angles of faiths will, therefore, give broader understanding and help in development of genuine consensus accepted by the majority. The Interfaith Seminar is attended by bioethics scholars from Muslim, Jewish, Christian and secular faith from around the world. Representatives of a large number of bioethics groups and bodies are also attending the Seminar as observers. The two-days Seminar will discuss various questions arising in various areas like humanity and creation, the natural world, genetics and reproductive technologies and the family, social impact of genetic and reproductive technologies, and will try to find out where the lines could be drawn. Embryo research and embryonic stem cell technology, parental testing and screening, the implantation genetic diagnosis, reproductive cloning, gene therapy, germ line genetic engineering, IVF are some of technologies under hot discussion.
