UAE anti-extremism centre represented at UN session

Officials from Hedayah, an international centre set up in Abu Dhabi for training, dialogue, collaboration, and research to counter violent extremism, have attended a debate at the United Nations in New York.

The representatives were present at the UN General Assembly’s 69th session.

The debate focused on promoting tolerance and reconciliation, and fostering peaceful, inclusive societies and countering extremism, reported the state news agency, Wam.

Dr Ali Al Nuaimi, the chairman of the Hedayah steering board, affirmed the importance of promoting a culture of dialogue and tolerance as part of the role of all organisations and experts under the auspices of the UN.

Dr Al Nuaimi also highlighted the participation of Hedayah as part of a partnership between the centre and UN agencies and institutions supporting common areas of cooperation, and particularly furthering international efforts to counter violent extremism.

Maqsoud Kruse, the executive director of Hedayah, emphasised the vital role of the development of national strategies as a counter to extremism at international levels during the debate. He also highlighted how education could be key to promoting critical thinking.

Mr Kruse stressed the crucial role of families as well as women and communities, reported Wam.

He talked about the pivotal role of media and particularly social media in countering violent extremism, and pointed out that Hedayah organised the world’s first forum on countering violent extremism, the Global CVE Expo 2014, in Abu Dhabi in December.