Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism (AOCE), in collaboration with the Islamic Missions Sector, organized the first camp for female international students as part of the "Ambassadors of Moderation" initiative in El-Tor, South Sinai. This camp marks a significant milestone in AOCE’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable awareness programs that equip young people with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to identify, confront, and refute extremist ideologies through a comprehensive, logical, and methodical approach. The program focusses on promoting the concept of moderation, raising awareness of contemporary issues, and preparing a promising generation equipped with the intellectual tools and sound religious discourse to confront extremist and hateful rhetoric and eliminate fanaticism.
As part of its efforts to cultivate a new generation of informed and resilient youth, AOCE’s researchers delivered a series of interactive lectures and discussions addressing key contemporary intellectual challenges. The five-day program covered the following themes:
- AOCE’s Objectives and mechanisms for monitoring and analyzing extremist discourse
- The importance of promoting a culture of coexistence, acceptance of others, and cultural diversity as a source of human enrichment
- Linking the spiritual heritage of Sinai to the ethical and educational values of the Holy Quran.
- The role of young women in combating extremism.
- Using critical thinking in combating rumors and stereotypes.
Beyond its intellectual and educational activities, the camp also featured a cultural and field program designed to deepen participants’ understanding of Egypt’s rich religious and historical heritage. Participants visited several landmarks, including: the Springs of Moses, Mount Sinai, Al-Sahabah Mosque, the Islamic Cultural Center, among other historical and cultural sites.