Prof. Wadi Represents UP at 40th International Islamic Unity Conference

Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, Dean of the University of the Philippines Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS), was among the distinguished scholars and guests who participated in the 40th International Islamic Unity Conference held from August 27 to 30, 2026, in Tehran, Iran.

The conference sought to “create unity and solidarity among Muslims, developing consensus among scholars and scientists to approximate their scientific and cultural viewpoints and presenting practical solutions in order to reach the Islamic Unity and Unified Islamic Ummah in the Islamic world” (Islamic Unity Conference, 2026). With the theme “Unity in the Thought of the Martyred Imam, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei,” the gathering brought together scholars, intellectuals, religious leaders, and prominent figures from across the Muslim world to discuss contemporary issues and explore ways to strengthen solidarity and cooperation.

Representing the University of the Philippines, Prof. Wadi contributed perspectives drawn from more than 20 years of teaching and scholarship in Political Science and Islamic Studies. His academic work engages with major issues concerning Islam and the Muslim world, including developments, conflicts, and peace processes affecting Muslim communities. His participation brought the Philippine experience into discussions on Muslim unity, interfaith dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.

One of the conference activities also gave Prof. Wadi the opportunity to interact with Iranian officials, including Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during a special session of the conference. 

Apart from attending the conference sessions, Prof. Wadi also joined the conference delegations in visiting the Mausoleum of Imam Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran. The delegation also visited the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad and the graveyard of the martyred Supreme Leader, Syed Ali Khamenei. As part of his visit, Prof. Wadi also went to the National Library and Archives of Iran, which houses voluminous manuscripts and rare historical documents, including the largest copy of the Holy Qur’an, the Armenian Gospel, and works from the Golden Age of Islam, such as Ibn Sina’s Canon of Medicine, Al-Ghazali’s Ihya Ulumu d-Din, and the Divan of Hafez.

These engagements complemented the academic discussions at the conference, which brought together hundreds of Muslim scholars, intellectuals, and prominent figures from around 40 countries, according to the Tehran Times. The participants discussed issues affecting Muslim communities and ways to promote greater solidarity and understanding (Tehran Times, 2026).

Prof. Wadi’s participation in the conference and related activities reflects the UP IIS’s commitment to deepening understanding of Islam and Muslim societies while strengthening its engagement with communities in the Philippines and beyond. It also supports the Institute’s mission to highlight Islam’s role in human development and civilization and to foster understanding among diverse communities.