In recent years, Maldives has been facing challenges related to radicalization to violent extremism, particularly among its youth. To combat this, building effective communication channels with local stakeholders is key. Furthermore, prevention efforts and collaboration with local actors must remain a priority to strengthen community resilience in the country.
In this context, UNODC is currently implementing two national projects for Maldives to strengthen capacities to prevent violent extremism (PVE) through comprehensive multi-agency and multi-disciplinary approaches. These initiatives are components of the project entitled “Support to Addressing the Risk of Terrorism and to Increasing Security in the Maldives”, funded by the European Union, and the “Project for Enhancement of Ability in Maritime Safety and Security”, funded by Japan. Within the framework of these initiatives, UNODC delivered a tailored workshop in Male on 4-5 July, in cooperation with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Maldives.
During the two-day event, over 40 representatives from law enforcement and criminal justice authorities, ministries of youth and sports, education, local government, and civil society explored ways in which Maldives could build on its prevention efforts. Through a combination of roundtable discussions and interactive case-based sessions, the workshop provided a platform for dialogue through which delegates could explore practical ways to strengthen collaboration and coordination within their PVE efforts. The workshop facilitated the exchange of expertise between government and non-government actors, as well as enabled participants to explore ways to address the pressing issue of radicalization to violent extremism. In this regard, Brigadier General Zakariyya Mansoor, Director General of the NCTC underlined the significance of “forging strong bonds and collaborative mechanisms with local communities and civil society organizations.”
In addition, the event showcased good practices of building multi-stakeholder coordination at the local level and strengthening community resilience to violent extremism. H.E Ms. Midori Takeuchi, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Maldives and Mr. Lars Bredal, Deputy Head of Mission to the Delegation of the EU to Sri Lanka and Maldives both highlighted the importance of these exchanges to successfully build partnership across all levels. In this regard, representatives also discussed how civil society and community-based organizations could be empowered and how their interventions could be sustained effectively. By fostering this exchange, delegates developed a deeper understanding of the unique perspectives and contributions of all relevant stakeholders and unpacked the benefits of a whole-of-society approach to PVE.
This publication was co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Japan. Its contents are the sole responsibility of UNODC and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union and of the Government of Japan.