TRENDS Research & Advisory has wrapped up a comprehensive research tour throughout Canada, sharing insights aimed at tackling extremism, fostering tolerance, enhancing peace, and building international partnerships in counter-extremism and future planning. This tour marked an important step in TRENDS’ global outreach through high-profile meetings, academic collaborations, and significant interactions within the Canadian Parliament. Toronto: The Starting Point The journey kicked off in Toronto, where the TRENDS team engaged in detailed discussions with Canadian ministers and officials at the Ontario Parliament. They focused on the transnational threats posed by the Muslim Brotherhood and its worldwide networks. The conversations highlighted the need for a knowledge-driven cooperation framework to strengthen efforts against extremist rhetoric. The delegation also looked into potential academic partnerships with Dr. Leslie Dan, one of the founders of the University of Toronto, aiming to develop integrated programs with the TRENDS International Training Institute. In recognition of TRENDS’ leadership in research and its role in promoting global discussions, MPP Andrea Hazell represented Ontario Parliament to award a special honor to the TRENDS team for their contributions to expanding knowledge related to peace and security. Toronto also hosted a discussion organized by the Global Imams Council (GIC) under the theme Generating Knowledge to Enhance Dialogue. Imam Mohammad Tawhidi opened with remarks followed by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali’s keynote address as CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, emphasizing how shared knowledge platforms can bolster social unity and challenge extremist ideologies. During this session, researchers Shamsa Al-Qubaisi and Badriya Al-Riyami shared key outputs from TRENDS’ research work, including the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia that breaks down the group’s hidden structure and the International Power Index-the first analytical tool designed to measure its influence using data-driven scientific metrics. Additionally, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali received a “Person of the Year” award from organizers for his global initiatives promoting tolerance and enhancing cross-border partnerships. Memorandum of Understanding To boost international cooperation further, TRENDS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Secure Canada through its virtual office there. Secure Canada is focused on community safety, raising awareness about counter-extremism issues while protecting local communities. This Mo U represents a new phase towards developing joint research projects and training programs aimed at creating effective policies against emerging ideological threats. Ottawa: The Next Destination The delegation then moved on to Ottawa where they continued their momentum with meetings in Federal Parliament alongside diplomatic engagements like visiting the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates. They also collaborated with Mila – Quebec AI Institute-one of top AI institutes globally-to discuss how AI technologies could be used to create advanced analytical tools supporting forward-looking research. Press Conference and Parliamentary Forum Capping off their activities under Canada’s Parliament dome was a global press conference aired by CPAC featuring contributions from Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, Imam Mohammad Tawhidi, and researcher Shamsa Al-Qubaisi who all emphasized that knowledge remains our best defense against extremism. Afterward participants shifted to Senate Chamber for a Parliamentary Forum themed Shared and Actionable Insights focusing on Promoting Peaceful Coexistence while Combating Extremism. The forum included members from TRENDS who joined via their virtual office in Canada led by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali along with Imam Mohammad Tawhidi representing GIC-attendees comprised Senator Leo Housakos; MPs Shuv Majumdar; Melissa Lantsman; Anthony Housefather; Greg Fergus; along with diplomats including former CSIS Director Richard Fadden. A number of notable religious leaders were present such as Imam Hassan Ismail Tarab; Rabbi Chaim Mendelsohn; Father Raymond de Souza among others including Irwin Cotler-an international human rights lawyer; Cheryl Saperia CEO at Secure Canada; MLI Managing Director Brian Lee Crowley; renowned journalist Steve Paikin plus additional MPs like Roman Baber or Jacob Mantle participated along side selected researchers directors advisors present too! Steve Paikin moderated these sessions while Senator Housakos opened proceedings noting parliaments serve not just as legislative chambers but rather “the first line of defense” against security threats associated extremist ideologies too! In his keynote speech Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali stressed achieving global peace cannot solely rely goodwill-it needs moral clarity coupled courage confronting extremist ideologies-especially those stemming from Muslim Brotherhood which he referred as “the umbrella from which all extremist groups have emerged.” Two primary sessions unfolded during forum featuring parliamentarians plus experts/researchers discussing implementation strategies pertaining Document Human Fraternity Abraham Accords methods countering extremism strengthening societal resilience together! Recognition Appreciation At conclusion event forum honored Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Alifor exceptional leadership advancing understanding promoting TRENDS vision combatingextremismsupporting tolerance! Award described TRENDS“agloballighthouseknowledgeproduction Middle Eastbeyond,”signifyingendofsignificantresearchdiplomatictourstrengthening TEND’Sroleleadinginternationalplatformthoughtknowledge!
Source link
