Terrorism is an efficient weapon of war that knows no borders and seldom has a face. Although some might say that this atrocity has not yet touched Malta directly we have all been repeatedly shocked by what have taken place over the past few years all over the world.

The Global Terrorism Database (GTD) reports that between 2013 and 2016, no less than 57,197 terrorist cases have occurred. Discussions on terrorism are rarely conducted without emotion. However, in tribal Malta we discuss a lot from a perspective clouded by our own parochial interests and beliefs.

The Malta University Debating Union (MUDU) was specifically set up to work for a culture change in the long-term. In line with this objective, MUDU is organising a public seminar, in collaboration with the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ), with the specific scope of providing the general public with tools to understand and evaluate the unfortunate but very active contemporary phenomenon of terrorism. 

The speakers will be delving into how society can protect itself from terrorism and will discuss the nature of contemporary terrorism. The discussion will also include the importance of whole-of-society and human security based approaches. The seminar's attendees will also be briefed on the role of the IIJ.

The panellists include Katrina Gillman (consultant with the Danish Ministry for Immigration and Integration, and the Danish Centre for Prevention of Extremism), Georgia Holmer (senior advisor for Anti-terrorism Issues and the focal point on CVE (VERLT) in the OSCE Secretariat's Transnational Threats Department), Dr Edit Schlaffer (social scientist and founder of Women Without Borders), Henry Tuck (senior Development manager at ISD) and Thomas Wuchte (IIJ executive director).

The seminar will be held at the University of Malta Valletta Campus on Wednesday, 15 November at 7pm. Registration is free and can be done by sending an email to [email protected]. Seating is limited. Donations are appreciated.