Civil Society Teams Up with NACTA, UNODC and EU to Prevent Violent Extremism

28 October 2024, Islamabad – As part of the EU (European Union) funded Counter Terrorism Prevention and Terrorism Project (CPTP) in Pakistan, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) launched a series of orientation workshops bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders , including public organizations, academia and government agencies. The initiative aims to work closely with Pakistan’s National Counterterrorism Authority (NACTA) to implement a range of community-based activities aimed at promoting peace, tolerance and social cohesion. all over the country.

As Pakistan faces the challenges of violent extremism, it is important to proactively prevent it by promoting broad community resilience and inclusive participation as fundamental strategies in preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE). The Government has embarked on a transformation journey based on a comprehensive strategy that integrates national sustainability and global partnerships. Central to this approach is collaboration with international organizations such as UNODC and the European Union, mobilizing collective expertise and resources to protect the future. At the heart of this strategy is a deep belief in community participation. The strength of any society lies in its unity, and these efforts are aimed at empowering communities to work together against extremism.

Through integrated networks and strategic alliances, the project inspires hope, creates platforms for dialogue and promotes mutual understanding and harmony across the country. Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a key role in these efforts, bringing their local knowledge and flexibility to the fore. Recognizing their importance, CPTP strengthens these partnerships by encouraging CSOs to take a leadership role in developing innovative, localized solutions that address the complex causes of violent extremism.

During the three-day capacity-building workshop, partners were introduced to the operational aspects of grants, including financial management, monitoring and evaluation processes, and communication strategies. These grants support micro-projects, each lasting 6–10 months and awarded after a rigorous selection process. The primary objectives of these grants are threefold: a) Promote innovative community-based approaches to preventing violent extremism and promoting peace; b) Strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations to address the root causes of radicalization; c) Promote social cohesion, inclusion and resilience of communities at risk of extremism.