Summit Against Violent Extremism

I've just returned to London from Dublin and the Summit Against Violent Extremism. After 3 days of inspiring and groundbreaking conversation from former terrorists, gang members, skin heads and violent extremists paired together with talks from survivors of violence and forward thinking entrepreneurs, I am exhausted and astounded by what I've witnessed. The mother whose daughter was killed on one of the planes that flew into the world trade center on 9/11 on stage engaged in conversation with the mother of one of the terrorists who planned the attacks. Gil Hicks, a survivor of the 7/7 bombings who lost both legs and was severely injured in the attacks, chairing a conversation between an inner-city gang member, an islamic fundamentalist and a skinhead.

Reflecting upon the conversations and ideas shared has been emotionally taxing. It is difficult to understand unless you speak with these people face to face, just how much they have been through and how far they have come. The major theme that I can draw from the event is the common ground of induction during youth. All of the formers were inducted into their respective former organizations at an early age - mostly between 13 and 16 years old. Issues of identity, lack of family structure, and a need to belong and fit in were repeatedly touched upon. As a result, the brainstorming sessions focused on legitimate and feasible ideas for youth programs across the globe.

The event was the culmination of Jared Cohen's sapling of an idea that he had when joining Google over a year ago. He was hired to chair the new department 'Google Ideas', and this was his first effort at the company. It is amazing to see how many people jumped on board to make the idea become a reality, especially with the delicate nature of the subject matter. His motto is that Google Ideas is not a think tank, but a think AND do tank. It has meant so much to me to be a part of this event and to help to make something of this nature happen. One of Google's main tennents is 'Don't be Evil' and I believe this summit demonstrates the company's commitment to that statement and to making the world a better place.

A sample of videos from the event is available on at this link - definitely worth a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erSs46hSpsg