Antalya, Republic of Turkiye

On 20-22 December, UNRCCA in partnership with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) organized the regional forum “Youth Employment and the Prevention of Violent Extremism in Central Asia”. The regional forum took place in Antalya, Republic of Turkiye. It gathered more than 50 participants representing youth organizations, state authorities and private sector from all five Central Asian states as well as international experts.        

The forum was organized under the EU-UN initiative “Strengthening Resilience Against Violent Extremism in Asia” (STRIVE Asia) and in accordance with the priority areas outlined in the updated Joint Plan of Action for the Implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia (JPoA). It was also conducted taking into consideration the Security Council resolutions 2250(2015), 2419(2018) and 2535(2020) on Youth, Peace and Security.   

Participants had an opportunity to discuss prospects and best practices to increase the engagement of youth in preventing and countering violent extremism in the context of the implementation of national strategies and action plans. The forum particularly focused on addressing challenges related to the spread of violent extremisms through increased employment and training opportunities, improved labor legislation as well as better access to state support programmes, including financial assistance. Moreover, the meeting promoted contacts among youth representatives within the region. As a result of discussions, a set of recommendations for state institutions, private sector and youth organizations was developed and reflected in a roadmap.