Biography

Name: Bjørn Ihler
Born: 1991
Nationality: Norway

Bjørn Ihler is an internationally-renowned expert in countering and preventing radicalisation and violent extremism (C/PVE) through the design of healthier communities online and offline. In 2016, Bjørn co-founded the Khalifa-Ihler Institute which works to promote peace, human rights, and thriving communities.

Through his work, Bjørn has worked with and advised local organisations, national governments, and international institutions such as the EU, the OSCE, and the UN. The objective that has led his work is to develop strategies to C/PVE based on a holistic understanding of the social, economic, cultural, and political roots of radicalisation. One of his most well-known mottos is “violent extremism is the violent denial of diversity.”

Much of Bjørn’s work trajectory builds on his work with former violent extremists, his own experience as a survivor of the 2011 terrorist attack in Norway, his academic background in peace and conflict studies, and his cooperation with other activists, policy makers, and researchers. This extensive curriculum on making the world a more peaceful place has been widely featured in media publications, speaking opportunities, and international fora.

More about Bjørn

Open to: Consultations, policy development, public speaking, research, workshops, writing
Areas of Expertise: Communications & media, education, “far right”, human rights, international relations, peacebuilding, policy, technology
Geographical Scope: Europe, Global

Publications

Media Coverage – The Guardian: Norway’s Breivik massacre taught me you can’t conquer hate with hate
Media Coverage – Time: What We’re Still Getting Wrong About Violent Extremism
Wikipedia page – Wikipedia: Wikipedia Bjorn Ihler