Under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Ghassan Hamid Abdul-Majeed, Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Baghdad, the Human Rights Unit organized a workshop titled “The Role of the University in Combating Extremism” on Sunday, October 26, 2025. The event came as part of the college’s ongoing efforts to enhance social and intellectual awareness among students, and to promote the values of tolerance, moderation, and rejection of violence and extremism.
The workshop was presented by Dr. Israa Abd Ali Kazem, Director of the Human Rights Unit, who discussed the university’s essential role in fostering moderate thought and preventing extremism. She emphasized that the academic institution serves as the first line of defense against deviant ideologies through its educational and scientific mission, and its contribution to nurturing student awareness based on dialogue, critical thinking, and acceptance of others.
Dr. Israa also stressed the importance of cooperation between the university, society, and governmental institutions to confront manifestations of violent extremism. She pointed out that promoting the values of coexistence and openness helps protect the social fabric and strengthen intellectual security among youth.
In conclusion, the lecturer highlighted ways to enhance national belonging and instill moderate thinking within the university environment, recommending the integration of intellectual awareness programs into student activities and academic curricula to support the university’s mission in building a conscious generation resilient against extremism.
