A concerted and sustained effort to promote intelligent debate and multiculturalism is the only way to defeat extremism and fundamentalism.
In the contemporary world, understanding of Islam and the role of Muslims is increasingly vital with, unfortunately, ever-present fears of terrorism - and that's why Dundee's Al-Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies is holding a two-day conference in London, starting tomorrow.
It is taking place at the campus of the Old Royal Naval College that lies on the Greenwich Meridian, a suitably historic site, where the eastern and western hemispheres meet.
Speakers are coming from all over the world to discuss the key issues of diversity, multiculturalism, pluralism and, crucially, peace within Islam itself.
Clearly, the need for exploring such topics could not be any more relevant and pertinent than in today's world.
At the institute, now recognised internationally as a centre of excellence, our courses, our research and our philosophy is to promote multiculturalism and cultural engagement as we face so many issues and challenges today.
Islamic Studies is a subject of strategic importance in our multicultural society because the students of today, if properly taught, will become the teachers of the future with a vision for multiculturalism and peaceful co-existence.
However, the importance and development of this education should not merely be seen as a knee-jerk governmental response to security concerns.
Instead, there is a clear-cut role for Islamic Studies in the higher education sector, and the relevance of its study to contemporary society and issues are needed if this subject is to be developed effectively within Britain's universities.
Currently, there is a recognised shortage of teachers and very few focused undergraduate programmes in the field with only a very small handful of institutions offering any type of named Islamic Studies degree.
The institute, with a graduation roll of 64 in its first six years - including Muslim and non-Muslim students - continues to work with both the UK and Scottish governments to develop effective means by which such studies can be taken forward.
At our conference we will explore fresh and innovative issues within the study of Islam and Muslims that are related to Qur'anic Studies.
Professor Malory Nye is acting principal of the Al-Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies, Dundee.
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