Reflect on the role and responsibilities of parliamentarians in advancing educational policies that prevent violent extremism.

 



August 21st marks the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, a date established by the United Nations to honor the memory of those affected by terrorism and to reaffirm the global commitment to justice, peace and prevention. To this end, parliaments play a crucial role in developing and overseeing public policies that address terrorism from a multidimensional perspective. As representative institutions, they are responsible for enacting laws that prevent radicalization, protect fundamental rights, and support the empowerment and inclusion of victims, especially of young people. In addition to highlighting the importance of education in promoting democratic values, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has consistently emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of victims of terrorism and of recognizing the vital role they can play in preventing violent extremism. Through its initiatives, the IPU encourages legislators to support inclusive educational frameworks that foster peace, human rights and social cohesion, while also acknowledging the unique experiences and contributions of victims. This webinar seeks to bring together parliamentarians, education experts, civil society and victims’ representatives to explore how educational policies can act as a preventive tool against terrorism and contribute to the recovery and empowerment of young victims, without overlooking other affected groups. 

 Overall objective:  The aim of the webinar is to explore how parliamentary action on educational policies can contribute to the prevention of terrorism and the empowerment of victims, with a particular focus on young people as agents of peacebuilding and resilience.

 Specific objectives 

 • Reflect on the role and responsibilities of parliamentarians in advancing educational policies that prevent violent extremism. 

 • Share legislative initiatives and best practices that promote education for peace, human rights and social cohesion.

 • Highlight the transformative impact of education on empowering young victims of terrorism as active agents of change. 

 • Foster cross-sectoral dialogue to support the development of inclusive, sustainable and victim-centered educational policies. 

 Suggested agenda: (2 hours)

The webinar will be opened by Mr. Martin Chungong, IPU Secretary General. 

Moderator: - Ms. Marcela Guerra Castillo (Mexico), member of parliament, Chairperson of the IPU High-Level Advisory Group on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism (HLAG) 

Speakers: Mr. Ben Saul, Professor, Challis Chair of International Law at the University of Sydney and United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism 

- Mr. Imrana Buba, Founder of the Youth Coalition Against Terrorism Ms. Fatima Akilu, Executive Director of the Neem Foundation Mr. Sobhi Tawil, Director, International Bureau of Education, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (To be confirmed) 

 - Mr. Gennaro Migliore, President Emeritus of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) Mr. Mattias Karlsson (Sweden), member of parliament, HLAG former Chairperson and current member. 

 -Mr. Roberto Arbitrio, Chief, Terrorism Prevention Branch, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Mr. Guillaume Denoix de Saint Marc, Vice-President of the V-Europe 

 Participants: This event is open to all parliamentarians and parliamentary staff from national parliaments, regional parliamentary assemblies, international organizations (such as UNESCO, UNODC, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), victims’ organizations and youth networks. 

  Languages:  The main language of the webinar will be English. Simultaneous interpretation in French, Spanish and Arabic will be provided. 


 Expected outcomes 

 • Increased parliamentary awareness of the role of education in countering terrorism and supporting victims. 

 • Concrete policy ideas for integrating peace education and victim narratives into school curricula.

 • Recognition of young victims as key stakeholders in shaping inclusive and resilient communities. 

 • Strengthened dialogue between parliamentarians and education stakeholders, in line with the principles and priorities promoted by the IPU regarding peacebuilding, human rights and the prevention of violent extremism. 

 Registration: Please register by 21 August 2025 

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