The post UNESCO Chair Director Discusses Opportunities for Joint Cooperation with the French Embassy’s Higher Education Cooperation Attaché appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>During the meeting, Dr. Shatnan and Ms. Lapointe discussed opportunities for academic and scientific cooperation between the UNESCO Chair and the French Institute for the Near East, particularly in the fields of dialogue studies and the historical relations between the Islamic East and the Western world. They also explored the possibility of organising joint activities in shared anthropological, historical, and cultural fields, as well as offering training courses in France for faculty members of the University of Kufa.
- It is worth noting that Ms. Lapointe’s visit to the University of Kufa was coordinated through the UNESCO Chair to explore prospects for cooperation between the University of Kufa and French universities across various academic disciplines. She was received by the University’s Assistant President for Scientific Affairs, Dr. Abbas Al-Haddabi, along with a number of the University’s college deans.
The post UNESCO Chair Director Discusses Opportunities for Joint Cooperation with the French Embassy’s Higher Education Cooperation Attaché appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>The post UNESCO Chair Delivers a Lecture on the National Strategy to Combat Violent Extremism appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>The initiative aimed to foster a culture of rejecting extremism and to establish a government-oriented approach that promotes the rejection of hate speech and sectarianism, encourages tolerance and empathy, and upholds respect for others through professional practices within state institutions.
During the lecture, Dr. Obais highlighted United Nations programmes designed to counter extremism, including the development of guidance manuals for international policymakers and their translation into practical action programmes. These efforts seek to unify international endeavours to combat extremism and promote the language of dialogue and peace among peoples and religions.
The participants also emphasized the humanitarian and religious dimensions of tolerance and intercultural dialogue among the various components of the national community, with the aim of fostering an atmosphere of social peace and overcoming crises, particularly in societies affected by terrorism, most notably those in the Middle East and, specifically, Iraq.
The post UNESCO Chair Delivers a Lecture on the National Strategy to Combat Violent Extremism appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>The post UNESCO Chair Participates in a Symposium on Political Extremism and the Abuse of Power appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>Dr. Obais delivered a lecture entitled “How Can We Protect Ourselves from Political Extremism and the Abuse of Power?”
The event was attended by representatives of civil society organizations, members of various institutions, and a gathering of intellectuals. During his lecture, Dr. Obais explored a range of ideas and factors that give rise to political extremism, as well as the social dynamics that contribute to its growth within society. He examined how these factors may ultimately lead to the seizure and monopolization of power, followed by its deviation from the principles of legitimacy.
The post UNESCO Chair Participates in a Symposium on Political Extremism and the Abuse of Power appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>The post UNESCO Chair Discusses Its Latest Publication at an International Symposium: “Religions in the Qur’anic Perspective: An Analytical Study appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>The episode, moderated by Dr Ali Musa Al-Mousawi, Secretary-General of the International Council for Religious and Humanitarian Dialogue, was dedicated to discussing Dr Tahseen’s latest book, Religions in the Qur’anic Perspective: A Comparative Analytical Study.
During the interview, Dr Tahseen outlined the principal themes of his book, emphasising that the Qur’anic perspective recognises religious pluralism as a divinely ordained principle and a universal reality. He explained that religion, in its fundamental essence, is one—namely, monotheism—while religious laws and prescriptions vary in accordance with the evolving needs and circumstances of human societies.
The UNESCO Chair member further stressed that ultimate judgement and the determination of religious truth belong exclusively to God Almighty on the Day of Resurrection, rather than to any religious institution. He called for overcoming misconceptions and stereotypes among followers of different religions through meaningful and constructive dialogue, citing the experience of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) as a distinguished model for managing diversity and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Dr Tahseen also underscored that the principal common ground among religions lies in their shared ethical values, including justice, honesty, and compassion. He affirmed that the ultimate purpose of religion is to foster human development, contribute to the flourishing of the earth, and promote peace.
It is worth noting that Echoes of Humanity is part of a series of intellectual programmes produced by the international platform Hamsat Net, which seeks to promote a culture of enlightened dialogue and counter extremist and hate-driven discourse
The post UNESCO Chair Discusses Its Latest Publication at an International Symposium: “Religions in the Qur’anic Perspective: An Analytical Study appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>The post UNESCO Chair Contributes to the Publication of a Documentary Book on “Methods of Torture and Crimes under the Former Regime” appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>The publication examines the criminal practices and systematic methods of torture employed by the former Ba’athist regime against Iraqi detainees in prisons, military camps, security directorates, and even in private homes and public streets.
The study emphasises that these practices constituted grave violations of human rights, leaving thousands of Iraqis with physical disabilities and psychological trauma. They also forced many to flee their homeland and live in exile, while creating a profound rupture between citizens and the state.
The study draws on testimonies from victims themselves, statements and confessions by officials of the former regime, as well as video footage and official publications that came to light after 2003.
The Iraqi Centre for the Documentation of Extremist Crimes has affirmed that the purpose of this documentation is to bring historical facts to public attention and ensure that the lessons of the past serve as a warning to future generations that any political experiment resembling the former Ba’athist regime would lead to similarly disastrous consequences.
The post UNESCO Chair Contributes to the Publication of a Documentary Book on “Methods of Torture and Crimes under the Former Regime” appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>The post UNESCO Chair at the University of Kufa Addresses Identity Dispossession in the Postcolonial Era appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>The paper examined the complex question of Arab and Islamic identity in the context of the international and domestic challenges that have confronted and continue to confront it. It also explored processes of identity dispossession resulting from domestic policies, with particular attention to the experiences of the Kurds, Faili Kurds, and Shabak under the former regime, which represent significant examples of local experiences of identity dispossession and the restructuring of collective identities.
The research further addressed external challenges that have contested and reshaped the concept of identity through issues relating to borders, citizenship, and belonging, as well as the ways in which individuals and communities have responded to these transformations within the broader frameworks of the Ummah, the nation, religious and Sectarian identity.
The post UNESCO Chair at the University of Kufa Addresses Identity Dispossession in the Postcolonial Era appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>The post Director of the UNESCO Chair Meets with a Number of Officials and Experts at UNESCO Headquarters appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>Dr. Shatnan met with the Permanent Representative of Iraq to UNESCO, as well as a number of researchers and specialists from various UNESCO Chairs and universities around the world. The meetings provided an opportunity to exchange views and perspectives on a range of scientific and academic issues of mutual interest.
He also met with Mr. Keith Holmes, Coordinator of the UNESCO Chairs Network at UNESCO, and Ms. Inga Nichanian, Programme Coordinator within the Network. Discussions focused on the UNESCO Chair at the University of Kufa, including a review of its key activities and achievements over the past four years.
The meetings also addressed the renewal of the UNESCO Chair at the University of Kufa for the upcoming four-year period. Discussions covered the main requirements, procedures, and recent developments related to the renewal process, as well as the priorities and preparations for the Chair’s next four-year term.
The post Director of the UNESCO Chair Meets with a Number of Officials and Experts at UNESCO Headquarters appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>The post University of Kufa Participates in “Digital Learning Week 2026” at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>The event brought together high-level international participants, including Ministers of Education, policymakers, and experts, with the aim of shaping global policies that ensure the use of artificial intelligence for the public good while safeguarding the human dimension of education.
Key Themes and Activities
- Main Themes: The week addressed the challenges of “AI-generated knowledge” and algorithmic transparency under the Evidence theme; the tensions between commercial interests and the educational mission under Divergences; and the exploration of autonomous AI models and technological solutions for resource-constrained settings under New Horizons.
- Key Activities:
- UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Meeting: Strengthening international academic cooperation and supporting research on equitable and inclusive artificial intelligence.
- Recognition and Capacity Building: Presentation of the UNESCO–King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT in Education and the organization of capacity-building sessions addressing student data governance.
- Dialogue Sessions: Discussions on teacher autonomy, reaffirming the central role of teachers, alongside specialized dialogues addressing the “illusion of competence” and the impact of technology on children.
- Strategy Labs: The programme concluded with workshops aimed at translating the recommendations into practical policies and actionable measures within educational institutions.
The University of Kufa’s participation in this international forum contributes to strengthening the presence of Iraqi academic expertise in international policy discussions on digital education and facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experience with global university networks affiliated with UNESCO.
The post University of Kufa Participates in “Digital Learning Week 2026” at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>The post UNESCO Chair Participates in an International Conference at Salahaddin University appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>Ms. Zahraa Amouri Sahib Tawij, a member of the UNESCO Chair at the University of Kufa, participated with a scholarly paper in the scientific conference entitled “Enhancing the Role of Islamic, Social, and Human Studies in Building Society,” organized by the College of Islamic Sciences at Salahaddin University–Erbil, in collaboration with the University of Iraq and the Iraqi Association of Qur’anic Sciences.
Her contribution, entitled “The Educational Dimension of Good Speech in the Holy Qur’an and Its Impact on Refining Social Conduct,” was submitted to the conference’s Scientific Committee for academic evaluation and subsequently approved for presentation and publication in the official conference proceedings.
The study examined the educational dimension of good speech as articulated in the Holy Qur’an and its role in cultivating sound social conduct and fostering positive human relationships. It explored the educational values and guidance embedded within Qur’anic discourse, highlighting their contribution to establishing constructive modes of communication and strengthening mutual respect, social cohesion, and harmonious relations among members of society.
This participation reflects the UNESCO Chair at the University of Kufa’s continued commitment to strengthening the scholarly and research engagement of its members and supporting their participation in academic conferences and intellectual forums. Such efforts contribute to the exchange of knowledge and expertise while fostering meaningful collaboration among universities and scholarly and research institutions.
The post UNESCO Chair Participates in an International Conference at Salahaddin University appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>The post UNESCO Chair Participates in an International Symposium on the Current Situation in the Middle East appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>Held at 8:00 p.m., the symposium featured a lecture delivered by Dr. Mohammed Faqih, Executive Director of the Institute for International Studies in Beirut. The lecture examined the nature of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its grave repercussions for international, regional, and local peace and stability.
Particular emphasis was placed on negotiation and religious and political dialogue, alongside diplomacy, as essential pillars for achieving peace and shielding the region from further cycles of war and destruction. The lecture also highlighted the vital role of Arab and Muslim communities in the West in conveying messages of peace and fostering channels of dialogue with rational and peace-oriented actors who reject conflict and violence in the region and across the world.
The post UNESCO Chair Participates in an International Symposium on the Current Situation in the Middle East appeared first on UNESCO CHAIR.
]]>