A five-day training programme aimed at countering extremism through Islamic educational principles has commenced in the Maldives, convening law enforcement and education officials under a regional coalition’s initiative. The programme, titled ‘Addressing Radicalisation in the Educational Environment’, is being held in Malé from 19 to 23 October.
The initiative is jointly organised by the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), headquartered in Saudi Arabia, and the Maldivian National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC). It seeks to strengthen institutional capacity to identify and prevent radicalisation, particularly within educational settings.
Established in Saudi Arabia, the IMCTC comprises the armed forces of 43 Islamic nations. Its mandate includes the implementation of strategic programmes across member states to enhance awareness and resilience against terrorism and violent extremism.
In Malé, Saudi scholars are leading sessions focused on the ideological threats posed by extremism and outlining preventative strategies rooted in Islamic teachings. The IMCTC describes the programme as a means of promoting intellectual vigilance and fostering the values of moderation within educational communities.
The opening session was officiated by Dr Aishath Shehenaz Adam, Vice Chancellor of the Maldives National University, whose presence underscored the role of academic institutions in shaping counter-extremism discourse and safeguarding educational environments.
This training forms part of a broader strategic framework adopted by the IMCTC, which emphasises cross-sectoral engagement across its member states. In the current year, the coalition has conducted targeted programmes to enhance the capabilities of religious scholars, raise awareness among media professionals, and support education sector stakeholders in confronting extremist narratives.