The Opening Ceremony of the International Conference on the “Role of Youth in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism: Holistic Approaches from Education to De-Radicalization” co-organized by the Turkic Council and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations continues with the Speeches of the Keynote Speakers.
Following the opening ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Turkic Council and the UN Alliance of Civilizations. With the signing of the MoU by Secretary General of the Turkic Council Ambassador Ramil Hasanov and UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, a legal basis for joint activities and projects to be realized in the future between the two organizations was laid.
The opening ceremony continued with the speeches of the UN Assistant Secretary General and UNDP Administrator and Director of Regional Bureau for Europe and the Common Wealth of Independent States (RBEC) Cihan Sultanoğlu, Director General for Multilateral Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Ambassador Hasan Ulusoy, Chairman of the Turkish National Coordination Committee for the UN Alliance of Civilizations Prof. Bekir Karlığa, President of the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) Mohammed Hanzab and Vice President of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) Mehmet Süreyya Er. UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Youth Ahmed Alhendawi took part in the opening ceremony with a video message.
In their speeches the speakers touched upon the fact that violent extremism doesn’t have anything to do with any religion or belief, but has certain addressable causes. UNDP Administrator Sultanoglu expressed that UNDP is studying the root causes of the effects pushing the youth to violent extremism and that they found out that economic opportunities, inclusive education, participation of youth in decision making and tackling inequality and injustices are instrumental in addressing the problem. President of ICSS Hanzab underlined the important role of the sport in promoting peace and intercultural dialogue. The speakers from UNDP, ICSS and TIKA also mentioned their programs relating to the youth sphere.
The two-day conference will focus on examining the violent extremism with its political, social and developmental dimensions while touching upon the root causes of radicalization and the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters. Panel discussions will provide a platform to reveal the ways and means through which the youth can contribute to the work done towards preventing radicalization and extremism. Concrete case studies will be presented on de-radicalization strategies and programs through the use of innovative methods including social media and sports. The conference will serve as an opportunity for young leaders to exchange experience and knowledge on preventing and countering violent extremism, while creating a favorable environment and an opportune occasion for establishing network among different organizations and NGOs.
The results of the conference will be presented at the 6th Summit of Heads of State of Turkic Council on the theme “Youth and Sports” that will be held in Bishkek on 18 November 2016.
