Today's Edition
Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali
The writer is the CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory
At the invitation of the European Parliament, TRENDS Research & Advisory participated in a high-level roundtable organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Coalition for Global Ethics (IPCGE) under the theme "Strategies to Combat Radicalism around the Globe through Education for Tolerance and a Culture of Peace". The event was of particular significance given the global rise in extremist ideologies – religious, ethnic, and ideological – which has created an urgent need for a new discourse capable of countering these dangerous trends.
During my remarks at the roundtable, I focused on the growing challenges posed by the spread of radical ideologies and extremist thought in the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. These ideologies fuel hatred, incite bigotry and racism, and often lead to violence and terrorism as means to achieve political or ideological goals, thereby undermining societal stability, public security, and the social fabric as a whole.
No counter-extremism strategy – whether in the Middle East or elsewhere – can succeed without addressing multiple dimensions. Chief among them is the need for an educational system that rejects violence and encourages dialogue, tolerance, and acceptance of differing viewpoints.
This responsibility extends beyond schools and universities to include the family, forming a cohesive ecosystem in which each institution reinforces one another. Families foster dialogue through open communication between parents and children; schools instil the value of diversity, the importance of respecting others' views, and an appreciation of cultural pluralism.
Achieving this requires updated curricula and extracurricular programs that encourage intercultural dialogue and critical thinking. Such an integrated system can serve as a powerful shield against extremist ideologies – particularly those spread through increasingly influential tools like the internet and social media.
Think-tanks have a vital role to play in this framework, especially in countering extremist narratives with evidence-based arguments and intellectual rigour. At TRENDS, we take pride in having become a leading regional and international authority in deconstructing extremist and terrorist ideologies, particularly those of the Muslim Brotherhood.
We do this through our publications, specialised studies, and the workshops and cultural forums we organise, which bring together global experts to exchange ideas, share experiences, and formulate actionable recommendations to confront these groups.
Beyond education, another key pillar in the fight against extremism is the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace. This responsibility lies with a broad spectrum of social institutions – from families and schools to places of worship and cultural organisations – and extends to traditional media (print, radio, and television) as well as digital platforms and social media.
These institutions possess enormous potential to shape young minds and instil the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, helping to prevent extremist ideologies from taking root.
Through awareness and education, we can empower communities to recognise the dangers of extremist thinking and embrace dialogue as the foundation for peaceful, inclusive societies.
The UAE's model for promoting tolerance and advancing human coexistence featured prominently in the discussions at the European Parliament. The country has successfully built a multicultural society home to more than 200 nationalities living together in peace and harmony.
This achievement is the result of institutionalising tolerance through progressive legislation, clear policy frameworks, and the establishment of dedicated entities that champion tolerance and coexistence, including, most notably, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence.
The country has also reformed its educational curricula to reject hate speech and violence while promoting acceptance, respect for others, and an appreciation for diverse cultures and religions. This model was widely praised by round-table participants for its effectiveness and vision.
