Awareness Workshop on the Role of Universities in Promoting Social Peace and Rejecting Extremism and Violence in Dhi Qar
Tammuz Organization for Social Development, in cooperation with the Subcommittee for Countering Violent Extremism in Dhi Qar Governorate, organized a workshop at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at University of Thi-Qar on the role of universities in promoting social peace and rejecting extremism and violence. The workshop was held on 30 April 2026, with the participation of a number of faculty members and students from the college.
The discussion, delivered by Razaq Obaid Dhahir, focused on the concept of extremism, its main causes, and the pathways that may lead some individuals toward adopting extremist behaviors that can ultimately result in violent practices. He also highlighted the key activities and initiatives implemented by the subcommittee in the governorate to counter extremism and strengthen social cohesion.
The workshop emphasized the important role of universities as educational institutions capable of enhancing public awareness through workshops, seminars, and academic activities, as well as the role of students in transferring this awareness to society and correcting misconceptions through balanced and tolerant discourse that promotes peaceful coexistence and limits the spread of extremist ideologies.
The workshop also featured active discussions and interventions by participants, who stressed the importance of launching media campaigns to counter hate speech, promoting values of tolerance and moderation within society, and strengthening the role of families in protecting youth through targeted awareness programs for parents. Participants also emphasized the importance of involving young people in designing and implementing initiatives aimed at reducing extremism, monitoring online content that incites violence, increasing specialized media programs addressing this issue, and disseminating public awareness messages in public spaces to promote social peace and reject extremism and violence.
