UNESCO CHAIR For Inter-Religious Dialogue Studies in The Islamic World
The World Organization for the Defense of Victims of Terrorism in Canada honored Dr. Alaa Shtanan, Director of the UNESCO Chair for Interreligious Dialogue Studies at the University of Kufa, in recognition of the UNESCO Chair’s distinguished role in fostering a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, and in rejecting extremism and hate speech in Iraq. The shield of appreciation was presented to Dr. Alaa Shtanan by the Organization’s Director, Dr. Sabah Al-Safi, on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
The World Organization for the Defense of Victims of Terrorism was established in Canada in 1999. Its principal objectives include curbing the phenomenon of terrorism through peaceful legal means, pursuing those who incite terrorism before international courts, and alleviating the suffering of victims of terrorism.
At the outset of the meeting, discussions were held on avenues for joint cooperation between the UNESCO Chair and the World Organization for the Defense of Victims of Terrorism, particularly in the fields of scientific and cultural activities of shared interest, reflecting a mutual commitment to advancing dialogue and countering extremism through knowledge-based and humanitarian approaches.
