Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the events of the First International Babylon Conference on Confronting Ideological Extremism and Terrorism commenced today, Monday, April 14, 2025. The conference is held under the supervision of the President of the University of Babylon, Professor Dr. Amin Al-Yasiri, the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Professor Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi, and the University of Hillah, with the participation of a distinguished group of local and international researchers, academics, and experts.<br /><br />The conference aims to discuss ways to promote the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, and to propose scientific and practical solutions to confront the phenomena of extremism and terrorism. It also seeks to enhance the role of educational and academic institutions in shaping a moderate discourse that rejects violence.<br /><br />In his opening speech, delivered on his behalf by Professor Dr. Ammar Al-Husseini, Dean of the College of Law, the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Professor Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi, stressed the importance of this conference as a platform for dialogue to unify efforts between universities, government institutions, and civil society organizations in combating extremist ideologies. He praised the role of Iraqi universities in fostering constructive critical thinking and serving the community.<br /><br />Participating university presidents also commended the joint cooperation in organizing this significant academic event, emphasizing the need to generalize the conference’s recommendations to serve as a framework for action benefiting policymakers and researchers alike.