A strategy that included education and the first Ministry of Tolerance

Academics: The UAE has presented a unique global model for confronting extremism

The symposium was organized by the Egyptian Cultural Office via video communication technology.

From the source

Egyptian academics emphasized that the UAE presented a unique model in combating extremism, and was able to take pioneering steps in this field, stressing the need to work to enhance the social responsibility of individuals and institutions in society, to confront and dismantle extremist ideology, and not be satisfied with security solutions.

The Egyptian Cultural Attaché in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Muhammad Badri, explained that confronting intellectual extremism needs to spread societal awareness, through the role played by the various state institutions, whether educational, cultural or religious institutions, or through various media, as well as series and films that define Society is in fact intellectual extremism, and its danger to societies and humanity as a whole, because it leads to the demolition of any society if it penetrates it, and it also undermines development and development efforts.

He stressed, during a symposium organized by the Egyptian Cultural Office in Abu Dhabi via video communication technology, yesterday evening, entitled “Social Responsibility in Confronting the Speech of Extremism,” that the Egyptian state spares no effort in confronting intellectual extremism, and drying up its sources by various means and methods that guarantee stability and renaissance. The state.

The UAE is a pioneering model

Dr. Amal Saqr, Deputy Director-General of the "Character and Separator" Foundation in Abu Dhabi, pointed to the need to differentiate between confronting extremism at the hard level, on the one hand, and it means the security, police and military aspect, which is very important for the urgent or immediate elimination of extremist groups that tend to use violence On the other hand, working to achieve a more effective degree in confronting extremism, by employing soft power, and the thought and discourse it presents to respond to extremist discourse, and to involve individuals and institutions in society in this confrontation, such as educational institutions and religious institutions, especially Al-Azhar, mosques, and associations. Voluntary, charitable, social clubs, intellectual and cultural institutions and the media.

Saqr explained that the UAE has made great strides in confronting extremist ideology, and employing social responsibility in this field, through several basic axes, foremost of which is education, as the state realized that it is the most prominent area that extremist thought targets to reach society, so it introduced the ethical curriculum in the educational stages. The state was keen to choose the teacher, so it required those wishing to work in this field to obtain a professional license, in order to be assured that he is able to present the right thinking to students. In addition to launching a cooperation initiative between the Ministry of Education and Hedayah Center to provide awareness programs on extremist ideology.Pointing out that the second axis adopted by the UAE in confronting extremism represented in strengthening the charitable and humanitarian work system among groups of society, especially young people, while the third axis represented in the initiative to establish the first Ministry of Tolerance in the world, calling for benefiting from the Emirati model in combating extremism.

Al-Azhar regains its role

Dr. Saqr pointed out the trend of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in Egypt towards restoring its historical role as an institution that the entire Arab world can rely on in the face of extremism, as it has recently launched various initiatives, including the departure of groups of Al-Azhar sheikhs and scholars to popular areas and neighborhoods known to be hotbeds for groups. Terrorist, to dialogue with young people over cafes, and to introduce them to the provisions of religion in various social issues and problems, especially those related to young people and their daily lives, and to talk to them with great ease, and this initiative attracted the attention of the Western media.

Al-Azhar also launched its website in a new and interactive way, and was keen to monitor the issues and fatwas published in different languages, respond to them and translate them to the public. Al-Azhar also began to keep pace with the development of the use of social networking sites, and be aware that terrorist organizations use these means to attract young people.

The Egyptian experience

For her part, the Head of the Community Transformations Unit at the Future Center for Research and Advanced Studies in Abu Dhabi, Hala El Hefnawy, reviewed Egypt’s experience in confronting extremism and terrorism, pointing out that it has succeeded in making great strides in this field, and in working to transfer the idea of ​​confronting extremism to society as a whole, whether Individuals or institutions, and are no longer limited to security confrontations only.

She touched on the most prominent pillars of the Egyptian move in this field, foremost of which is the work to develop education, and rid the educational institution of the influence left by the Brotherhood organization over many years, during which it penetrated the educational curricula, as well as the cadres working in it.

The role of universities

The Head of the Psychiatric Center at Ain Shams University, Dr. Afaf Hamed, spoke about the role of universities in confronting extremist ideology, and countering the attempts of extremist groups to attract students by arming them with life skills, encouraging their talents, and not being satisfied with specialized study only.

She also praised the Emirati experience in this field, especially the initiative to allocate a Ministry for Tolerance and Coexistence, stressing the need to benefit from this experience.

Amal Saqr:

"Al-Azhar is heading to reclaim its historical role as an institution on which the Arab world can rely."

Hala El Hefnawy:

Employing drama, media, and schools to turn the fight against extremism into a national issue that must be confronted.

Mohamed Badri:

"Intellectual extremism leads to the destruction of any society if it penetrates it, and it also undermines development and development efforts."

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