Demonstrating collaboration and shared commitment, the UNODC's Terrorism Prevention Branch (TPB), together with the Indonesian National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) and the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT), organized a side event during the 32nd Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) in Vienna, Austria. This event, held on May 25, 2023, highlighted the successful launch of the Preparatory Working Group to Prevent Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia (PWG-PVE), a significant step towards promoting regional cooperation and strengthening international security.
Central to this event was the promotion of a robust network in Southeast Asia, bringing together diverse stakeholders, including state and non-state actors. By convening these entities, the event fostered an environment conducive to collaborative efforts in enhancing cross-border security. This regional initiative aims to serve as a dynamic platform for the exchange of knowledge and best practices, enabling a collective response to the escalating threat of violent extremism. The network consists of seven Thematic Working Groups, each dedicated to addressing specific aspects of preventing violent extremism. The Governments of Indonesia and Malaysia have taken the lead as the first and second host countries for this pivotal network, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to regional security. It is anticipated that such regional initiatives will yield positive outcomes in preventing violent extremism and promoting international peace and security.
This project was made possible thanks to the support of the Government of Japan.