Anti-radicalisation youth activist
1096. Ahmad Nawaz
Ahmad Nawaz, aged 18, from Birmingham is a youth activist who after surviving a terrorist attack at his school in Pakistan, now travels around the West Midlands giving anti-radicalisation talks to other pupils.
Ahmad has addressed thousands of students in schools across the UK, as well as speaking at events organised by the United Nations. Though he has received death threats from the Taliban, this has not deterred him. He juggles his academic studies with touring schools giving talks, to spread this essential message. Ahmad begun working with the Home Office encouraging communities to unite and fight extremism together, and has recently been appointed a member of National Counter Extremism Advisory board. Ahmad is also a winner of the No2H8 Crime Young Upstander Award for his courage and conviction.
In a personal letter to Ahmad, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“The work that you do to educate young people about extremism and radicalisation is invaluable – and the fact that it comes from your own experience is testament to your incredible personal strength and resolve. Your recent appointment to the National Counter Extremism Advisory board demonstrates the positive impact of your work. You should feel tremendously proud and I wish you the very best with your continued endeavours.”
Ahmad said:
“I am deeply honoured to be recognised as a ‘Point of Light’ by the Prime Minister. It has propelled me to do more of the positive work that I do for the society. I would like to encourage other young people to do the same in order to have a society free of extremism and violence.”