UI Successfully Held the Opening of International Conference on Interdisciplinary Terrorism and Extremism Studies in Vienna
International Conference in Vienna. Source: SSGS UI
Vienna, Friday, 24 January 2025 – The first day of the highly anticipated International Conference on Interdisciplinary Terrorism and Extremism Studies in Europe, Asia, and Africa commenced smoothly on Friday, 24 January 2025, in Vienna.
This prestigious event brings together leading experts, scholars, and policymakers to discuss the pressing challenges and evolving dynamics of terrorism and extremism across three continents.
Prof. Ednan Aslan, as the Head of the Conference and representative of the University of Vienna, the host university, extended his gratitude to the organizing committee, including the committee from Universitas Indonesia, the committee from the University of Lagos, and Prof. Dr. Dele Ashiru. He also expressed his appreciation for the presence of Dr. Athor Subroto, Dean of the School of Strategic and Global Studies, Universitas Indonesia.
Scroll untuk membaca
Scroll untuk membaca
"We are deeply grateful to all the committee members for their extraordinary cooperation, especially to Universitas Indonesia and the University of Lagos," said Prof. Ednan Aslan, the Conference Chair and representative from the University of Vienna.
The conference was officially inaugurated by several key figures, including a representative from the Austrian Ministry of the Interior and Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, Head of the Directorate for State Protection and Intelligence Service.
Dr. Athor Subroto, in his opening speech, highlighted the critical global need for sustainable strategies to combat terrorism. Reflecting on global and Indonesian experiences with terror incidents, he emphasized the importance of advanced knowledge, impactful research, and values-driven governance in eradicating extremism and terrorism.
He introduced the School of Strategic and Global Studies' unique Terrorism Studies program—the only one of its kind in Southeast Asia—and highlighted its contributions, such as the World Terrorism Index, a comprehensive tool measuring security levels and the impact of terror worldwide.
“The ICITES brings together experts and scholars to discuss extremism and terrorism studies through an inclusive, interdisciplinary approach. This collaboration between the University of Vienna, University of Lagos, and Universitas Indonesia sets an example of equitable global cooperation. We extend our gratitude to our host, the University of Vienna, especially Prof. Dr. Ednan Aslan and Dr. Kamil Oktem, for their dedication to making this conference a success and fostering a shared commitment to a safer, more understanding world" Dr. Subroto said.
Dr. Subroto also underlined the role of interdisciplinary and international collaboration, stating that partnerships like those between the University of Vienna, the University of Lagos, and Universitas Indonesia serve as a role model for equitable academic cooperation to tackle global security challenges. He concluded with a message of hope, stressing the necessity of fostering peace, justice, and partnerships to achieve a safer future.
Prof. Dr. Dele Ashiru extended his heartfelt gratitude for the collaboration among the entire organizing committee and the three universities, which successfully executed this conference. He emphasized the importance of such academic cooperation in addressing global issues.
Prof. Ashiru also highlighted terrorism incidents in Nigeria, such as the Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping by Boko Haram in 2014 and the Abuja church bombing in 2012. These tragic events, he noted, underscore the urgent need for continued efforts to understand and combat terrorism through interdisciplinary studies and international partnerships.
This groundbreaking event underscores the commitment of the University of Vienna, the University of Lagos, and Universitas Indonesia to advancing global security and interdisciplinary research. Together, they aim to pave the way for actionable insights and policy recommendations to address the complex challenges of terrorism and extremism in a rapidly changing world.
The conference will continue over the next two days, featuring panel discussions, workshops, and presentationsby leading academics and practitioners from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Key topics include the role of technology in counterterrorism, the social and psychological roots of extremism, and strategies for fostering resilience in affected communities.
