Moderated by Lord Walney, the seminar opened with a call for global cooperation to combat extremism. Lord Walney emphasized that extremism represents a threat that transcends borders, requiring a unified international strategy to effectively address the issue
A scientific seminar organized by TRENDS Research & Advisory at the UK House of Lords underscored the importance of combating extremism as a crucial step in ensuring security and stability both locally and internationally. The event, titled “Strengthening the UK-Middle East and North Africa Partnership in Countering Extremism and Promoting Prosperity,” was the second such seminar hosted in less than two months, highlighting the urgent need for collective action against radical ideologies.
The seminar brought together a distinguished group of parliamentarians, researchers, and counter-extremism experts who emphasized the necessity of addressing the root causes of extremism to foster long-term peace. The central theme of the discussion was the importance of correcting extremist ideologies while offering educational, economic, and social alternatives to prevent radicalization, particularly among youth, who are often targeted by extremist groups.
Moderated by Lord Walney, the seminar opened with a call for global cooperation to combat extremism. Lord Walney emphasized that extremism represents a threat that transcends borders, requiring a unified international strategy to effectively address the issue. He stressed that a comprehensive approach, combining security measures, intellectual engagement, and technological innovations, is essential for creating a safer and more stable future for all.
In his keynote address, Lord Donald Anderson, a member of the House of Lords, emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the UK and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions in countering extremism. He outlined the critical role that research institutions play in analyzing and understanding the challenges faced by Western societies due to the spread of extremist ideologies. Lord Anderson urged for continued collaboration to develop effective strategies in addressing this global challenge.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, followed with an impassioned speech highlighting the importance of international cooperation in countering extremism. He stressed the need for dismantling the ideological frameworks used by terrorist organizations to spread their radical messages. Dr. Al-Ali noted that TRENDS is actively working on scientific analyses aimed at dismantling the rhetoric of extremist groups, providing counter-narratives grounded in values of tolerance and peace.
The seminar also featured contributions from a variety of influential figures. Sir Liam Fox, Chairman of the UK Abraham Accords Group, spoke about the role of international partnerships in addressing shared security concerns, while Lady Olga Maitland, Former Member of the UK Parliament, emphasized the role of public awareness in countering radicalization. Hannah Baldock, Editor of Focus on Western Political Islam, shared insights into the growing issue of political Islam and its impact on Western societies, while Anna Stanley, a researcher at the Middle East Forum, provided a nuanced analysis of the links between extremism and social structures in the MENA region.
Other notable participants included Tom Tugendhat, Member of the Parliamentary Group for Countering Extremism, Daniel Kawczynski, Member of the UK Parliament, and Aviram Belaishe, Head of the Counter-Extremism Project. These experts discussed the challenges of building resilient societies capable of resisting extremist influences. Awad Al-Breiki, Senior Researcher and Head of TRENDS’ Global Sector, also contributed to the conversation, providing a broader perspective on the regional dynamics of extremism.
Throughout the seminar, discussions centered on the ways to engage youth and local communities in the fight against extremism. The role of education, media, and social platforms was also highlighted as a crucial element in shaping the next generation’s attitudes toward extremism. Abdulaziz AlShehhi, Senior Researcher and Deputy Head of the Research Sector at TRENDS, shared key findings from recent research on the impact of social media and technology in spreading extremist ideologies.
In addition to academic insights, the event offered a practical approach to countering extremism through the exchange of strategies and best practices. Shama Al-Qutba and Zayed Aldaheri, researchers at TRENDS, presented case studies from different regions, illustrating successful efforts to prevent radicalization and promote societal resilience.
The seminar concluded with a call for continued collaboration between governments, research institutions, and civil society organizations to develop a comprehensive framework for countering extremism. The participants agreed that combating extremism is not just a matter of security but also of ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of societies across the globe.
As the seminar came to a close, the overarching message was clear: combating extremism requires a multifaceted approach, grounded in cooperation, intellectual engagement, and community involvement, to create a safer world for future generations.
