UNODC's Terrorism Prevention Branch (UNODC/TPB) and Central Asian Member States continue to strengthen the regional network on preventing violent extremism (PVE). In January 2019, UNODC/TPB, in cooperation with the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia, delivered a regional workshop in Almaty, Kazakhstan entitled "The PVE Network: The Way Forward." Participants included representatives from government and civil society organizations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Attendees had the opportunity to share relevant experiences with one another as well as explore the Network's future thematic priorities.
The PVE Network was launched in 2018 with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation and capacities in preventing and countering violent extremism leading to terrorism. The Network offers a platform for the exchange of knowledge and good practices for preventing the radicalization, incitement and recruitment of individuals for terrorist purposes as well as encouraging a "whole-of-society" approach to preventing and countering violent extremism leading to terrorism. The Network was launched following extensive consultations, dialogue and partnership with stakeholders in the region. Furthermore, the Network is supported by a website ( www.capve.org) that provides access to research, policy, strategy and guidance on preventing and countering violent extremism leading to terrorism.
Opening remarks were delivered by the Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Kazakhstan, the UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, and the UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia. During the event, it was agreed that the Network's activities for the following six months will focus on the theme of strong community partnerships and multi-disciplinary collaboration. As a result of this, international experts from Lebanon and the United Kingdom presented models for identifying levels of radicalization and delivering suitable responses at the community level. Following the conclusion of UNODC/TPB's chairmanship of the Network in six months, a new chair will be elected and subsequently rotate among the focal points of the five Central Asian Member States. The newly elected chair will then be able to choose themes for the Network that will reflect either regional or national priorities in preventing violent extremism leading to terrorism.
The workshop was funded by the Governments of Japan and Sweden.