Islamabad: The Peace and Education Foundation (PEF), in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), successfully organized a three-day capacity-building workshop titled 'Youth Collaboration for a Resilient Society' from February 20-22, 2025, at Best Western Hotel, Islamabad.
The workshop, funded by the European Union (EU), aimed to equip young leaders with the necessary tools to prevent violent extremism and promote social cohesion within their communities.
Addressing the participants, Mr. Khursheed Nadeem, Chairman of the National Rahmatul-Lil-Aalameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority, emphasized the critical role of youth in fostering peace. “Youth are the key drivers of change, and equipping them with the necessary tools to foster peace in their communities is essential,” he stated.
Echoing the sentiment, Ms. Zooni, a representative from NACTA, remarked, “Engaging youth in preventing extremism is crucial, and initiatives like this can make a real difference.”
Ms. Arooj Raza, a prominent journalist and political analyst, highlighted the potential of youth in building an inclusive society. “This initiative by PEF lays the foundation for youth from diverse sectors to come together. Now, they must equip themselves to become global citizens,” she said.
The workshop brought together 25 participants from diverse backgrounds, including academia, religious scholars, media influencers, transgender activists, and political workers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab, and Islamabad Capital Territory. Through interactive group activities, participants shared their insights and experiences, identifying key challenges faced by their communities in preventing violent extremism and fostering resilience.
One of the key highlights of the workshop was the development of Social Action Plans (SAPs). These structured strategies provide individuals, groups, and organizations with a roadmap to address social issues and create positive change within their communities. Participants outlined clear goals, actions, resources, and timelines to ensure the successful implementation of their initiatives.
The workshop marks a significant milestone in the Countering and Preventing Terrorism in Pakistan (CPTP) project, which is funded by the EU, led by NACTA, and executed by UNODC in collaboration with partner civil society organizations. The project employs a three-pronged strategy to strengthen community resilience against violent extremism and acts of violence by, strengthening the capacity of criminal justice institutions, enhancing victim support through an effective legal system and fostering community engagement by developing sustainable networks.
