ICCEHS Executive Board Director Meets Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities in Abu Dhabi
“Responsible Education is our most powerful instrument to safeguard the future of our human societies”
Abu Dhabi, 4th of June 2026
In a time marked by growing global instability and the alarming rise of extremist rhetoric and hate speech, the role of responsible education and sustained dialogue has become more critical than ever in safeguarding international peace and stability.
Against this backdrop, Dr. Nidal Shoukeir, Executive Board Director of the International Committee on Countering Extremist and Hate Speech (ICCEHS), met with H.E. Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, at his office in Abu Dhabi.
Dr. Shoukeir presented the mission, vision, and strategic objectives of ICCEHS, highlighting its role as a leading international platform dedicated to countering extremist ideologies and combating hate speech. He reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to promoting dialogue, tolerance, and responsible education on a global scale.
He further outlined ICCEHS’s recent initiatives and international engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation with global institutions and strategic partners. These efforts focus on addressing emerging challenges such as digital radicalization, misinformation, and the evolving dynamics of extremist discourse in the digital age.
H.E. Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri praised the important work carried out by ICCEHS, emphasizing the relevance and urgency of its mission in today’s world. He stated:
“At a time when divisions are deepening and uncertainties continue to reshape our world, responsible education is not simply a priority—it is our most powerful instrument to safeguard the future of our human societies.
Education is the foundation upon which we build not only knowledge, but also values, resilience, and the capacity to understand one another beyond our differences. It is through education that we equip future generations with the tools to reject extremism, resist hate speech and embrace coexistence.
Today, more than ever, we must reaffirm our collective responsibility to promote open dialogue, mutual respect, and the courage to engage constructively with diversity. These are not abstract ideals—they are essential conditions for lasting peace and sustainable international cooperation.
We remain firmly committed to supporting all initiatives that strengthen understanding, counter hatred, and contribute to building a more stable, inclusive, and united global community.”
For his part, Dr. Shoukeir highlighted the UAE’s prominent role on the international stage in promoting dialogue and contributing to conflict resolution. He stated:
“At a time when words can either ignite conflict or inspire understanding, responsible education is no longer a choice—it is our most powerful line of defense.
The way we shape future generations—by instilling authentic human values, nurturing critical thinking, and encouraging meaningful engagement with diversity—will define the kind of world we leave behind. It will determine whether we build societies vulnerable to division, or resilient in the face of extremism and hate.
Today, more than ever, we carry a shared responsibility: to transform education into a force that unites rather than divides, that enlightens rather than misleads, and that empowers individuals to reject hatred in all its forms.
Dialogue remains our strongest instrument. It is through open, courageous, and sustained dialogue that we prevent radicalization, rebuild trust, and restore the human connections that extremism seeks to destroy.
Together, through responsibility, awareness, and collective action, we can shape a future where understanding prevails over fear, and where peace is not an aspiration, but a lasting reality.”
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that addressing extremism and hate speech requires collective responsibility and sustained international cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and advancing concrete initiatives that promote dialogue, reinforce stability, and contribute to building a more peaceful, inclusive, and resilient global society.