Al-Azhar Observatory and Cairo Center for Conflict Resolution Sign Cooperation Protocol to Prevent Extremism and Terrorism
His Eminence the Grand Imam of al-Azhar Prof. Ahmad at-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, met with Ambassador Ahmad Abdul Latif, the Director of the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding (CCCPA), to discuss expanding al-Azhar’s role in Africa and collaboration between al-Azhar Observatory and the Cairo Center to prevent extremism and terrorism.
The Grand Imam stated that al-Azhar aims to accommodate international students from various nationalities, particularly from Africa, through scholarships offered at different educational levels. Furthermore, al-Azhar is committed to establishing centers for teaching Arabic to promote the language of the Holy Quran. These centers aim to educate Muslims in African countries and spread values and principles safeguarding young people from extremist ideologies.
Ambassador Ahmad Abdul Latif expressed his appreciation for the role of His Eminence the Grand Imam and al-Azhar in promoting the true image of Islam, spreading values of peaceful coexistence, and fostering human fraternity. He commended the ongoing cooperation and coordination with al-Azhar Observatory to combat extremism. Additionally, he mentioned that the center seeks assistance from representatives and researchers from the Observatory in various programs and activities in Africa. This is particularly beneficial because the Observatory’s staff includes faculty members who are experts in Arabic studies, religious sciences, and linguistics, qualifying them to effectively communicate with the target audience to build social peace and prevent extremism.
After the meeting, al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism represented by Prof. Nazeer Ayyad, General Supervisor of al-Azhar International Center for Monitoring, Electronic Fatwa, and Translation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CCCPA, represented by Ambassador Ahmad Abdul Latif, Director-General of the Center. The Memorandum aims to promote cooperation in various fields, including preventing radicalization and extremism leading to terrorism, enhancing capacities for dialogue, negotiation, mediation, and reconciliation, conflict resolution, and promoting the roles of women and youth in peace and security. It places particular emphasis on the role of women as agents of change and in prevention efforts.
