Dr. Osama Al-Azhari, Minister of Endowments, received a delegation from the department responsible for preventing extremism and combating terrorism at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to discuss prospects for cooperation in efforts to prevent extremist ideology and the resulting violence and terrorism across borders and continents. The delegation included Ms. Elena Zigache, responsible for technical support projects for preventing terrorism in the North Africa region; And Judge Mohamed Fouda, Criminal Justice, Prevention and Control Officer in West Africa at the United Nations Office.
The meeting included consideration of ways to enhance joint cooperation in confronting extremist ideology, with a focus on training programs and awareness-raising workshops, in accordance with the principle of “prevention is better than Treatment"; This is by benefiting from the rational religious discourse that Egypt represents and from its extensive experience in warding off the dangers of extremism that lead to violence and terrorism.
The Minister affirmed the Ministry’s determination to fully support international initiatives aimed at prevention. of extremism and combating terrorism, pointing to the importance of joint work in developing intellectual confrontation tools based on the concepts of moderation and renewing religious discourse. The Minister also reviewed his research, scientific and advocacy efforts in this field on various continents of the world, which impressed the visiting delegation and strengthened its desire for cooperation.
For its part, the United Nations delegation reviewed the efforts it is making. The office works in the areas of preventing extremism, preventing terrorism, and enhancing criminal justice, with a focus on technical support initiatives directed at countries in the North, West, and East Africa region, including efforts to train cadres and enhance legal capabilities. And institutional.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue coordination and begin setting the parameters of cooperation in a way that contributes to achieving common goals and benefits Egypt and Africa. And the world.
