The Second Session of the Study Seminar “Religion, Peace, and Security: Challenges and Prospects in the MENA Region”, organized by the Religion & Security Council (RSC) and the NATO Security Force Assistance Center of Excellence (NATO SFA COE), looked into the efforts carried out by faith-based organizations and religious leaders with the aim of “Addressing Radical Thinking and Violent Extremism”. The two keynote speakers − Prof. Aicha Haddou, Director of Ta’aruf − Morocco Interfaith & Peacebuilding Research and Training Centre, Rabita Mohammedia of Ulemas; Imam Yahya Pallavicini, President of the Islamic Religious Community of Italy (COREIS) and Ambassador for Dialogue among Civilizations, Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) − shed light on the approach adopted by a number of specific programs and initiatives in order to engage the theological field, providing an alternative and antithetic discourse to deconstruct radical and extremist interpretations and doctrines; spread this discourse among believers, especially the most vulnerable categories; develop initiatives on the ground, taking into consideration the interplay between the risk of radicalization and other factors; contain and reverse the phenomenon of religious and violent extremism. Their remarks were followed by a round-table discussion, joined by the international group of religious leaders, military officers, scholars, and practitioners invited to participate in the Study Seminar. The proceedings were introduced and moderated by Dr. Sihem Djebbi, Associate Professor at the University of Sorbonne Paris Nord and the Pontifical Faculty of Theology of Southern Italy.
Proceedings of the Study Seminar
Opening Session
A Strategic Perspective on “Religion, Peace, and Security”
First Session
Introduction
Dr. Elie Al Hindy: “Interreligious Dialogue: Three Levels of Engagement for Peace and Security”
Dr. Majeda Omar: “The Amman Message and Other Insights from Jordan”
Round-Table Discussion
Second Session
Introduction
Prof. Aicha Haddou: Preventing Extremism: The Moroccan “Experience”
Imam Yahya Pallavicini: Policies and Initiatives Against the Radical Discourse in the MENA Region
Round-Table Discussion
Third Session
Introduction
Dr. Elie Abouaoun: “Food for Thought” On How to Foster Peace and Reconciliation in the MENA Region
Hon. Pascale Warda: Sectarianism and the Predicament of Religious Minorities in Iraq
Round-Table Discussion
See also
“Religion, Peace, and Security: Challenges and Prosepcts in the MENA Region”