Youth Action Agenda To Prevent Violent Extremism and Promote Peace
The appeal of violent extremism is growing around the world. We, young people and youth organizations present at the Global Youth Summit Against Violent Extremism, recognize that the choice to support violent extremism is driven by many factors. A sense of disengagement and marginalization, despite the interconnected world we live in, leaves young people vulnerable to recruitment wherever they are. Some young people join violent extremist groups as a way to pursue exclusionary ideologies, to rectify real and/or perceived injustice, or to feel part of something larger than themselves. Some feel coerced to use violence because of manipulation or fear. The resulting violence has taken too many innocent lives.
In response to extremist violence, governments have taken action to counter violent extremist movements, often through military force. However, this approach only tackles the symptoms of the problem rather than addressing the factors driving participation in violent extremism. In many instances, security responses by governments further aggravate tensions and trigger more support for violent ideologies. This approach often adds to the feeling of exclusion and fails to engage youth as key allies in building resilience against violent extremism.
Many CVE initiatives frame youth as either perpetrators of violent extremism or as possible victims of recruitment into violent groups. However, this narrative fails to capture the fact that most young people are part of the solution. They are not turning to violence. Young people around the world are working to build peace and prevent violent extremism.
More than ever before, the response to violent extremism needs meaningful youth participation at all levels. We recognize the gravity of the threat of violent extremism in the world today. Our generation, like the generations before us, challenges the status quo and demands new ideas and systems. To effectively address the drivers of violent extremism and promote peace, youth must be engaged as partners in the design and implementation of relevant programs and policies. With commitments to learning, to partnership, to innovation, and to impact, we are ready to address violent extremism, a defining challenge for our generation.