Showcasing how young people have adapted their PVE activities to the COVID-19 reality

On 24 September, KAF, GCERF, and the Kingdom of Denmark organised a virtual event on the margins of the UN General Assembly entitled “Agility Amid Fragility: Youth Leadership in Adapting PVE efforts to Covid-19 Reality”. The event highlighted examples of young people’s leadership in responding to the tensions and fears that have been generated by the pandemic, and exploited by violent extremist groups in Kenya, Nigeria, and Somalia. During the panel, Nasteha Abdirahman of the Extremely Together Somalia Chapter explained how the Chapter has overcome Covid-related barriers to in-person interactions and freedom of movement by running awareness-raising campaign and producing a video on the meaning of peace among young people – with the support of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Nasteha also used this platform to encourage international organisations to recognise youth as equals in the on-going efforts to prevent violent extremism. Corinne Momal-Vanian, Kofi Annan Foundation’s Executive Director, took this opportunity to share some of the recommendations that emerged from the Extremely Together youth consultations on how to ensure meaningful youth inclusion in peace and security efforts.