UNESCO CHAIR For Inter-Religious Dialogue Studies in The Islamic World
The UNESCO Chair for Interreligious Dialogue at the University of Kufa participated in the conference titled “The Role of Iraqi Universities in Combating Intellectual Extremism (Challenges and Solutions),” organized by the University of Kufa in collaboration with Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Jabir Ibn Hayyan Medical University, and coordinated with the Popular Mobilization Authority, under the patronage of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, and supervised by the presidents of the participating universities. The conference was held from May 7-8, 2024.
The contribution of the UNESCO Chair to the conference included the participation of Dr. Zainab Haidar Al-Rikabi, a member of the UNESCO Chair, with her research titled “Educational Institutions and Their Efforts in Combating Extremism and Intellectual Terrorism.”
Her research addressed the responsibility placed on educational institutions, particularly universities, to protect future generations from the dangers of extremism and intellectual terrorism. The research stated:
“Academic institutions, represented by universities, play a vital and fundamental role in creating an intellectual environment and a social space free from extremism, intolerance, and terrorism. Universities have a crucial role in guiding students, second only to the role of the family. There is no doubt that universities are the primary drivers shaping students’ intellectual and academic development. Thus, educational institutions bear significant responsibility for educational guidance and protection from societal threats to safety and stability, including extremism. It is essential to focus on creating curricula that foster sound thinking and to provide educational training to ensure a healthy starting point in guiding future generations. We need practical field practices to confront the phenomenon of extremism and protect society from deviant ideas.
For Iraqi universities to take on their role in combating extremist thought and drying up its sources, it is necessary to first address the major challenges they face and find solutions to achieve the desired goals.”
