Bjørn Ihler

Extremely Together

Bjørn Ihler, Extremely Together young leader

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 for 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 Ihler’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, policymakers, 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.

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
Scope: Europe, Global

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

Bjørn Ihler’s inspiring TED Talk. Bjørn Ihler on how his own experience being a survivor of Norway’s 2011 terrorist attack shaped his life into becoming an activist to prevent violent extremism, stop the cycle of violence, and bring awareness about extremism as the violent denial of diversity.
Bjørn Ihler shares his powerful personal story: Bjørn shares his path to forgiveness and how he overcame the fear of the unknown.
Introducing Extremely Together’s Bjorn Ihler
The Extremely Together Guide: Extremely Together Guide Chapter 7 – Bjørn Ihler on Communications Solutions

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