ISESCO, Al-Azhar Observatory for combating extremism discuss cooperation in dismantling hate speech

CAIRO - 25 June 2026: Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, received Dr. Reham Abdullah Salama, Director of the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism, at the organization's headquarters in Rabat on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

 

During the meeting, they discussed prospects for cooperation in the areas of intercultural dialogue, dismantling hate speech and extremism, and countering media disinformation.

 

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Benarafa reviewed ISESCO's most prominent initiatives in the fields of intercultural dialogue, education, culture, and communication, noting the organization's extensive portfolio of international programs and conferences that have contributed to launching pioneering projects to promote intercultural understanding, consolidate the values ​​of moderation and coexistence, and counter extremist ideology.

 

The Deputy Director-General of ISESCO affirmed that the organization's work stems from a civilizational mission based on universal values, and that it seeks to develop new approaches, including the concept of "civilizational rights," which raises a fundamental question about how to preserve the contributions of different civilizations to humanity.

 

He invited the Al-Azhar Observatory to participate in the international scientific conference, "The Authentic Collection of Hadith by Imam al-Bukhari: A Book for the Nation," scheduled to be held in early July in Uzbekistan, and in the Heritage of Wisdom Forum on Addressing Extremism, planned for Azerbaijan this year.

 

For her part, Dr. Reham Salama reviewed the Al-Azhar Observatory's initiatives to combat extremism by raising awareness and protecting youth from radical ideology.

 

In the same context, Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector at ISESCO, emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the organization and Al-Azhar, particularly in countering media disinformation and manipulation.  

 

Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Director General's Office and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector, highlighted the importance of raising cultural awareness through education and building a values-based identity.