Université de Montréal to Host International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Interfaith Dialogue
A landmark gathering of scholars explores the transformative potential of intelligent technologies in advancing interfaith understanding and religious discourse across cultural contexts.
The Université de Montréal in Canada will convene an international conference devoted to examining the profound intersection of artificial intelligence and interfaith dialogue from 19th to 21st October 2026. Orchestrated by TRENDS Global, a constituent part of TRENDS Group, in partnership with the University Platform for the Study of Islam (PLURIEL), the Université de Montréal and the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), this distinguished gathering will unite 32 esteemed academics and researchers representing 11 nations.
The conference represents a natural evolution of a research initiative established by TRENDS in the UAE during February 2026, building upon foundational work to advance understanding in this rapidly evolving field. The programme encompasses four principal scientific themes, each addressing critical dimensions of contemporary scholarship. Deliberations will encompass the transformative role of generative artificial intelligence in the production of religious knowledge, alongside the promising opportunities that intelligent technologies present for enhancement of translation capabilities and deeper comprehension of cultural contexts. The conference will also examine substantial challenges inherent in this technological landscape, including algorithmic bias, digital polarisation and the emergence of hate speech within digital ecosystems.
TRENDS researchers will present specialised research papers exploring the reliability of artificial intelligence as a mediator in meaningful dialogue, examining how extremist organisations strategically employ intelligent technologies in radicalisation efforts, and reconsidering the plurality of contemporary Islam as it manifests within the digital sphere. The intellectual programme extends beyond conventional presentations to encompass research and experimental workshops designed to trial DIALOGIA, an innovative artificial intelligence powered platform engineered to analyse religious discourse with sophistication and facilitate dialogue in an inclusive manner. The platform will undergo pilot activation on the conference’s concluding day, an occasion that will further witness the formal establishment of a specialised international research working group dedicated to strengthening scientific cooperation and cultivating shared methodologies across participating institutions.
Source: WAM