Global Imams Council And TRENDS Research Host Forum In Canadian Parliament To Combat Extremism

A global press conference and a high-level parliamentary forum in Ottawa highlighted the importance of knowledge, dialogue, and religious cooperation in combating extremism. These events aimed to foster peaceful coexistence worldwide. Organised by TRENDS Research and Advisory with the Global Imams Council, they were hosted by the Canadian Parliament and Senate. The meetings marked the conclusion of the TRENDS Research Tour to Canada.

Imam Mohammed Tawhidi, Advisor on Counter-Extremism at TRENDS, spoke at the press conference alongside researcher Shamsa Arif Al-Qubaisi. Tawhidi praised the collaboration between TRENDS and the Global Imams Council, noting their participation in significant international forums. He commended the UAE’s model of tolerance, stating it aligns well with Canada’s values of pluralism and justice.

The Parliamentary Forum on Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and Combating Extremism convened at the Canadian Senate. It gathered parliamentarians, diplomats, religious leaders, academics, and policy experts. Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali led the TRENDS delegation. Senator Leo Housakos opened the forum by highlighting parliaments' role as a defence against extremist ideologies.

Dr Al-Ali delivered a keynote address advocating for a principled approach to countering extremist thought. He introduced TRENDS’ new 35-volume Encyclopedia of the Muslim Brotherhood and announced upcoming research on its impact in Canada over six decades. He emphasised UAE's success in countering extremism through initiatives like the Abrahamic Family House and Abraham Accords.

The forum’s first session focused on Muslim Brotherhood extremism's effects on Canada. Dr Wael Saleh analysed its discourse using Austin’s Speech Act Theory, explaining how it legitimises violence. Researcher Badriya Al-Riyami presented a paper showing incompatibility between Brotherhood ideology and principles like those in Human Fraternity documents.

The second session examined the Abraham Accords as a regional peace model. Shamsa Al-Qubaisi highlighted TRENDS’ expanding partnerships in Canada, including collaborations with universities for studies in education and data analysis. Canadian MPs Melissa Lantsman and Anthony Housefather noted that these Accords offer Canada opportunities to deepen Middle East engagement.

Recognising Leadership

The event concluded with an honorary award for Dr Al-Ali from the Parliamentary Forum for Peace and Security. This recognised his leadership in advancing global understanding through research and promoting tolerance internationally. Under Ottawa's Parliament dome, he was named Personality of the Year for his efforts against extremism and guiding TRENDS’ growth as a global research institution.

An extensive question-and-answer session wrapped up the event, reflecting Canada's growing interest in understanding regional dynamics and challenges posed by political Islam.

With inputs from WAM