This activity is part of the EU’s Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace. The use of violence to further extreme ideological platforms – be that political, religious, nationalist or other – is not a new phenomenon. However, the rise of violent extremist groups has renewed concern amongst policy makers and practitioners on preventing and countering violent extremists and mitigating the appeal of extremism amongst communities and vulnerable groups, particularly young people.
While young people are often the target of such groups, they can also play a critical role in countering violent extremism and should therefore be placed at the centre of such efforts. Working in partnership with the Kofi Annan Foundation, this initiative will seek to empower young people by mobilising a network of individuals and organisations active in peacebuilding, counter-terrorism and youth engagement. Through the establishment of ten youth advocates this project will promote peer-to-peer engagement to inform and empower young people across the globe to counter violent extremism.