International
International Engagement
Helsinki, Finland – Counterterrorism Dialogue
On April 27, 2022, NCCT took part in a high-level panel at the Bourse Club in Helsinki, sharing perspectives on Morocco–Finland cooperation in counterterrorism. Executive Director Noufal Abboud joined Ambassadors Päivi Kairamo and Mohamed Achgalou to discuss joint strategies and preventive approaches.
https://www.morgenpost.fi/210-kansainvalisen-terrorismin-torjunta-seminaari-helsingin-porssiklubilla
Copenhagen, Denmark – Panel on Maghreb Security
On November 25, 2021, at the University of Copenhagen, NCCT participated in an expert panel on security dynamics in the Maghreb region. Executive Director Noufal Abboud joined international scholars and human rights advocates to explore regional threats, state responses, and the role of civil society in conflict transformation across North Africa.
Doha, Qatar – 14th Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue
NCCT participated in the 14th Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, a major international gathering of over 300 religious leaders, scholars, and practitioners from around 70 countries. Represented by Noufal Abboud and Advisory Member Dr. Carole Faucher, our organization contributed to discussions on fostering mutual understanding, countering hate speech, and promoting interfaith collaboration worldwide.
Virtual Symposium on Interfaith Dialogue and Conflict Transformation – October 27, 2021
Noufal Abboud, our Executive Director, delivered the opening speech at the virtual symposium Interfaith Dialogue and Conflict Transformation: Towards A Paradigm of Change, organized by the Nordic Center for Conflict Transformation and DICID, where he stated “Interfaith dialogue, no matter what, is a unifying field. It brings people together beyond their differences and creates opportunities for lasting peace.”
Baghdad, Iraq – National Workshop on Supporting Victims of Terrorism
From September 27–29, 2022, NCCT Executive Director Noufal Abboud co-moderated a key session on reconciliation and transitional justice alongside UNODC. The workshop brought together Iraqi civil society organizations, victims’ associations, and authorities from both the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to promote an inclusive, coordinated approach to supporting victims of terrorism and shaping public policy.
Asian University for Women – Webinar on Gender-Based Violence Against Women
On November 25, NCCT Executive Director Noufal Abboud joined a live webinar hosted by Peace Café at the Asian University for Women to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The discussion focused on gender-based violence and the role young girls can play in prevention and intervention, alongside scholars and practitioners from BRAC University and AUW.
The Danish Parliament – Global Insecurity & Growing Threats of Terrorism
Noufal Abboud, Executive Director of NCCT, represented the organization at the Danish Parliament on May 30th, 2023. In his address, he discussed global insecurity, the rising threat of terrorism, and their implications for Scandinavia, and he highlighted the importance of international cooperation and proactive strategies in combating these challenges.
Leiden, Netherlands – Keynote on Justice and Sustainable Peace
During a keynote at Leiden University, NCCT Executive Director Noufal Abboud emphasized that sustainable peace must be rooted in justice and the protection of human rights. Highlighting the disproportionate impact of conflict on civilians, the address called for peace processes that confront structural injustices to ensure lasting, meaningful outcomes.
Virtual – Panel on Education Reform and the (Post-) Arab Uprisings
On September 30, 2023, NCCT hosted an insightful panel discussion on education, reform, and the aftermath of the Arab Uprisings. Experts including Dr. Hamdy Hassan, Dr. Maha Shuayb, and Dr. Mohammed ElMeski, moderated by Dr. Omar Kaissi, explored the nexus between education and peacebuilding in the MENA region. The event brought together a global audience for an engaging learning exchange.
Cooperation with Nordic Countries
NCCT continues to strengthen its international partnerships, as demonstrated by a fruitful meeting with H.E. Marjaana Sall (Ambassador of Finland), and H.E. Sjur Larsen (Ambassador of Norway) to Morocco. Hosted, on February 10th, 2025, at the Finnish and Norwegian Embassies in Rabat, the discussions focused on advancing sustainable solutions for global challenges in peace, security, and development.
Brussels, Belgium – Partnership with the Institute for Economics and Peace
On February 6, 2024, NCCT signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration. The meeting, held in Brussels, brought together IEP’s leadership and NCCT Executive Director Noufal Abboud to formalize joint efforts around NCCT’s new global initiative.
Geneva, Switzerland – UN Side Event on Post-ISIS Peacebuilding & Community Reintegration in Iraq
On March 7th, 2024, NCCT, alongside The Bulan Institute for Peace Innovations, Al-Tahreer Association for Development, and Al-Basheer Foundation for Development, organized a UN side event on post-ISIS peacebuilding and community reintegration in Iraq. Speakers, including Mr. Noufal Abboud and others, discussed strategies for sustainable peace and the vital role of local communities in Iraq’s recovery.
Geneva, Switzerland – State Approaches to Terrorist Affiliates in North-East Syria
NCCT, in collaboration with The Bulan Institute for Peace Innovations, hosted an expert roundtable in Geneva to launch its ReOrient project. Ambassadors from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan shared their countries’ approaches to addressing terrorism and its aftermath, providing valuable insights for global policy on countering violent extremism.
Rabat, Morocco – Launch of the ReOrient Project
To mark the official launch of NCCT’s ReOrient project, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Morocco hosted a special Iftar at the Ambassador’s residence. Funded by the Netherlands, the project focuses on reintegration and prevention. The evening honored NCCT’s partners, friends, and team members who contributed to its success.
Learn more: https://www.lopinion.ma/Lancement-d-un-projet-de-renforcement-des-capacites/
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Solution-Oriented Discussion on Democracy in MENA
NCCT participated in a solution-oriented discussion on democracy in the MENA region, hosted by the National Endowment for Democracy and others. The event in Sarajevo highlighted the Center’s collaboration with the Moroccan Ombudsman Al Wassit and provided a platform to connect with MENA region experts, emphasizing the resilience needed to rebuild after adversity.
Learn more: https://www.ned.org/ned-continues-to-support-the-people-of-bosnia-and-herzegovinas-democratic-aspirations/
Climate Change & Human Security Panel Discussion
On 25 June 2024, NCCT participated in a timely virtual panel discussion on the intersection of Climate Change and Human Security, organized by The Bulan Institute for Peace Innovations. Experts from around the globe explored how climate change exacerbates violent extremism and the need to rethink traditional security frameworks.
Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic – “Exchange of Models and Practices in Rehabilitation and Reintegration between Morocco and Kyrgyzstan”
On November 1st, 2024, NCCT organized a conference in Bishkek, in partnership with the Kyrgyz Research Center on Religious Issues and the Bulan Institute for Peace Innovations. The event, part of NCCT’s ReOrient Project, brought together over 35 participants, including government officials, civil society representatives, and experts, to share best practices in preventing extremism and improving rehabilitation and reintegration strategies.
Learn more: https://youtu.be/WoRWl_3_5cI
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – Security Challenges in the Middle East and North Africa
In November 2024, NCCT’s Executive Director Noufal Abboud delivered a key presentation on regional policies to mitigate and prevent terrorism in the Middle East and North Africa. Held at the OSCE Academy, the session engaged graduate students in discussions on the critical security challenges facing the region and the strategies necessary to address them.
Paris, France – Is Khalifa Haftar Losing in Libya?, broadcasted by Al Jazeera
NCCT Executive Director Noufal Abboud appeared on Al Jazeera English’s Inside Story to discuss the dynamics of Libya’s protracted conflict. Broadcasting from Paris, he addressed the illegitimacy of Khalifa Haftar’s military campaign and its failing trajectory, while highlighting broader challenges and potential pathways to peace.
Rabat, Morocco, Discussion on UN warned Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Crisis in Libya al Jazeera, broadcasted by Al Jazeera
In a broadcast interview with Al Jazeera, NCCT Executive Director Noufal Abboud shared analysis from Rabat on the escalating violence and deepening humanitarian crisis in Libya, as warned by the United Nations. The discussion examined the drivers of instability and the urgent need for coordinated international response.
Interview with Indus News International TV – 2019
Noufal Abboud, Executive Director of NCCT, was interviewed by Indus News International TV about the U.S. military withdrawal from Syria. He emphasized that civilians are strongly opposed to hasty military interventions and departures, stressing the need for their protection.
He noted that military intervention had not made the Middle East safer or more stable, but rather complicated the region’s conflicts and pointed out that U.S. forces are not leaving the region but are being redeployed to Saudi Arabia and western Iraq. He called for a shift towards everyday peacebuilding as the key to long-term stability in the region.
Fireside Chat with Asian Pathfinders
On July 24, 2021, NCCT Executive Director Noufal Abboud joined Asian Pathfinders’ “Fireside Chats” as a guest speaker to reflect on the evolution of countering and preventing violent extremism strategies between 2011 and 2021, sharing lessons from North Africa and beyond.
Interview on Moroccan Elections – September 7, 2021
Noufal Abboud, Executive Director of The Nordic Center for Conflict Transformation, was interviewed on the potential for elections to change the balance of power in Morocco.
Interview on Morocco’s Ruling Party Rot, broadcasted by TRT World – September 9, 2021
Broadcast – Mozambique’s Insurgency and Violent Extremism
NCCT Executive Director Noufal Abboud joined Al Jazeera English’s Inside Story to discuss the rise of ISIL-affiliated Al Shabab in Mozambique. The conversation explored the roots of the insurgency, the threat of violent extremism in Southern Africa, and the challenges facing national and regional responses.
NCCT and ICESCO Partner at Youth Forum in Baku
NCCT partnered with ICESCO, the Baku International Multiculturalism Center, and the African Union’s AMO at the 2nd International Youth Forum on Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan (August 23–27, 2025). Gathering 70 youth from 50+ countries, the event highlighted youth as drivers of peace and intercultural dialogue. NCCT co-led a workshop with ICESCO and AMO, empowering participants as Youth Peace Ambassadors and setting the ground for future cooperation.
NCCT in Doha: Rethinking Peacebuilding
On September 2nd, NCCT’s Executive Director Noufal Abboud gave a lecture at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies on “Rethinking Peacebuilding,” where he stressed the need for human rights–centered and innovative approaches to conflict transformation. The visit also included a stop at Al Jazeera, underlining the media’s role in shaping sustainable and truthful narratives in peacebuilding.