The primary objective of the workshop is to take stock of current research and experience while also identifying key areas for future sustaining peace interventions in the Euro-Mediterranean region. This will involve: addressing the root causes of violence, including violent extremism; understanding and strengthening the roles of women and youth; engaging relevant stakeholders including civil society organizations; and moving the debate towards support for partnership and action in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
By using a two-part structure to look at the roles of women and youth, the consultations will emphasize that both groups are key peace and security agents, but have different roles and needs. UfM, UNDP and UN Women believe that this will be a productive way to identify priorities on the ground and discuss approaches and lessons learned from dealing with the drivers and dynamics of violent extremism at the regional and national levels.
The consultations will be geared towards developing concrete recommendations and an action-oriented plan.
Over a period of two days, the participants will address the following areas as they relate to the roles of women and youth, respectively:
1- Understanding and emphasizing a development-based approach of preventing radicalization and violent extremism, and engaging women and youth in the region as social agents and positive drivers of change.
2- Understanding the dynamics and drivers of violence in the region and how to better support women and youth as peace-builders and preventers of violence.
3- Fostering inclusive national, regional and cross-border partnerships (networks and partnerships). Understanding different regional contexts, existing partnerships and avenues meant for building the capacity of local and regional partners. This will also entail reviewing partnership policies and platforms—including those of governments and international organizations— working with NGOs and CSOs.
4- Identifying areas for regional initiatives to strengthen the role of women and young people in sustaining peace and preventing violent extremism.