Youth Unite for Peace: Three-Day Workshop Strengthens Community Resilience and develops social strategies to prevent extremism
Youth Unite for Peace: Three-Day Workshop Strengthens Community Resilience and develops social strategies to prevent extremism
Peshawar Feb 23. “Youth are the key drivers of change, and equipping them with the necessary tools to foster peace in their communities is essential,” by Mr. Khursheed Nadeem, Chairman, National Rahmatul-Lil-Aalameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority in his remarks as chief guest at a workshop titled as ‘Youth Collaboration for resilience society’ in Islamabad. Recognizing the critical role of youth in building society, “Engaging youth in preventing extremism is crucial, and such initiative can make a real difference,” said Zooni, a representative from NACTA.
Ms Arooj, Raza, a prominent Journalist, Political Analyst at BBC News expressed that youth have potential to contribute in making inclusive society, as this PEF’s intaitive provides foundation by engaging youth from diverse sectors. Now this youth should equip themselves to become global citizen.
Recognizing the pivotal role of youth in fostering peace and social cohesion, the Peace and Education Foundation (PEF) successfully organized a three-day capacity-building workshop titled ‘Youth Collaboration for a Resilient Society’ from February 20-22, 2025, at Best Western Hotel, Islamabad. Funded by the European Union (EU) and conducted in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the workshop empowered young leaders to actively combat violent extremism and promote inclusivity.
The workshop brought together 25 participants from diverse backgrounds, including academia, religious scholars, media influencers, transgender activists, and political workers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab, and Islamabad Capital Territory. Participants engaged in interactive group activities, sharing their insights and experiences while identifying key challenges faced by their communities. The discussions focused on preventing violent extremism and fostering resilience within society.
The workshop equipped participants to develop Social Action Plans (SAPs). SAPs are structured strategies that guide individuals, groups, or organizations to address social issues and create positive change within a community. Participants outlined clear goals, actions, resources, and timelines to ensure the successful implementation of social initiatives.
This activity marks a significant milestone of the project- CPTP, Countering and Preventing Terrorism in Pakistan. Funded by the EU, led by NACTA and executed by UNODC with its partner civil society organization, the project aims at empowering community resilience against violent extremism and acts of violence via a three-pronged strategy. The key components include: a. strengthen the capacity of criminal justice institutions; b. strengthen victim support through an effective legal system; c. foster community engagement via developing sustainable networks.
