Under the slogan “Together for a Safe and Cohesive Society,” Fallujah hosts a national conference to combat violent extremism.
In a crucial step toward consolidating the concepts of community peace and strengthening national solidarity, the Fallujah District hosted the closing conference of the project “The Role of Religious Figures and Digital Creators in Preventing Extremism,” organized by the Taybah Relief and Development Organization, with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as part of the Wasl Civil Society Program. A number of official, community, and security figures convened for an important conference that discussed effective methods and strategies for combating violent extremism, from prevention to achieving sustainable solutions.
The conference began with registration by the organization’s staff, followed by a touching official opening with the national anthem and verses from the Holy Quran, presented by the conference host, marking the beginning of the day’s activities, which carried messages of hope and real change.
The Mayor of Fallujah District, Mr. Faisal Khaled Al-Aifan, delivered a welcoming speech in which he affirmed the local authorities’ commitment to continuing efforts to eradicate extremism and build a healthy and informed society. This was followed by a speech by Engineer Hamoud Al-Jaghifi, representing the Anbar Subcommittee, highlighting the importance of coordination between state institutions and civil society organizations in confronting this scourge.
In a moving speech, the respected engineer Taiba Al-Qaisi, president of the Taiba Organization, emphasized the pivotal role of civil society in adopting a counter-extremism discourse and promoting concepts of social cohesion, praising the effective partnership with the International Organization for Migration. The conference featured awareness-raising films on the phenomenon of violent extremism and its negative impact on communities. A distinguished dialogue session was also held, chaired by Dr. Nabil Jassim, a member of the Subcommittee for Combating Violent Extremism, entitled:
“Effective Strategies for Countering Violent Extremism: From Prevention to Sustainable Solutions.” A group of influential figures participated in the session:
Professor Faisal Khaled Al-Aifan, Chairman of the Subcommittee in Fallujah
Professor Mohammed Hashim, Director of Endowments in Fallujah
Brigadier General Sabri Abdullah Al-Omar, Director of Tribal Affairs in Anbar
Colonel Manawir Khalaf Al-Dulaimi, Assistant Director of the Community Policing Department in Anbar
Mrs. Widyan Mohammed Shaalan, Member of the Subcommittee for Combating Violent Extremism
During the session, visions were exchanged, field experiences were discussed, and realistic proposals were put forward to enhance intellectual and societal security.
Engineer Taiba Al-Qaisi also presented the most prominent achievements of the implemented project, highlighting its positive impact on the ground through enhancing awareness and community education.
The conference concluded with a final screening of awareness-raising films. The attendees then presented their recommendations, the result of fruitful interaction and constructive dialogue. They emphasized the need to continue these initiatives to foster an environment free of extremism.
At the end of this special day, attendees left the hall filled with hope, fortified with knowledge, and determined to move forward toward a prosperous Iraq where peace and justice prevail.
