LocationsBY: Melody Azinim, Peace & Governance Analyst UNDP Ghana, William Adongo, PVE Project officer UNDP Ghana and Edward Ampratwum, Governance Specialist, UNDP Ghana.
Photo: UNDP
Every year on February 12th, the world observes the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism. In a world confronted with growing and evolving threats of violent extremism, this day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving peace, safety and security through collective responsibility.
While regional and international efforts play a vital role in addressing violent extremism, grassroot initiatives remain essential in building resilience. Through local engagements, dialogues, and economic empowerment interventions, individuals and communities can be equipped to resist the push and pull factors that lead to violent extremism
Over the past few years, UNDP Ghana has been contributing to national efforts to prevent violent extremism. One such flagship initiative is the UNDP Project ‘Preventing and Responding to violent extremism in the Atlantic Corridor’, a regional effort jointly funded by the governments of Australia, Denmark, Germany, and Norway.
The project, which Ghana started in 2023, has achieved remarkable results using a whole of government and whole of society approach. One of such milestones has been supporting the review of the National Framework for the Prevention and Countering of Violent Extremism and Terrorism (NAFPCVET) initially developed in 2019. As part of the review exercise, UNDP has assisted government to reach over 1,000 individuals on building a collective understanding of the framework and promoted the national Campaign dubbed “See something, say something” to raise awareness on possible terrorist threats and encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies.
One of the pillars of the Atlantic Corridor project focuses on addressing hate speech and discrimination among community members and between host communities and migrants. Through facilitated dialogue, UNDP has contributed to creating safe spaces in communities for discussions that challenge negative stereotypes, addresses conflicts and builds trust for improved social cohesion. Communities through their local peace infrastructure which are a representation of diverse groups are now amicably addressing their differences and reducing conflicts. Moreover, the project has activated local early warning and early response mechanisms through strengthening collaboration of communities with security agencies, leading to reduction of threats to violence.
Group photo of individuals who have received livelihood support
Photo @Ernestina Ocansey/ UNDP Ghana
Recognizing the economic drivers to radicalization and violent extremism, UNDP has also invested in economic empowerment programs targeting women and youth. Through the project, 684 direct beneficiaries (277 male and 407 female) have benefitted from skills training, starter-packs, tools and materials that have enabled them to earn an income and improved their living conditions as well as improved the socio-economic resilience of their dependents. By focusing on entrepreneurship development, personal and business financial management, networking and leadership skills, youth bootcamps, created as part of the project, have equipped young people with the core competencies necessary for success and social inclusion in their communities.
Edward Ampratwum, Head of Governance and Inclusive Growth, handing over some of the livelihood support items to some community members
Photo @Melody Azinim/ UNDP Ghana
As we commemorate this day, it is important to recognise the critical role that international corporation and partnerships are playing to preventing violent extremism through long-term catalytic funding and sharing of best practices.
Addressing extremists ideologies through education and awareness creation are critical to addressing hate and discrimination and promoting peace, tolerance and unity. The theme for the year focuses on strategies and concrete options for operationalizing whole-of-government and society approaches to address new and emerging PVE challenges, as well as discuss concrete measures to increase the inclusive representation of youth in PVE policy-design and programming. As 2025 also marks 10th anniversary of the UNSCR 2250 Youth Peace and Security, UNDP will continue to centre its interventions around the youth, their networks and ideas.
The success of the Atlantic Corridor project undoubtedly shows the power of targeted interventions in preventing violent extremism by addressing root causes, exclusion, unemployment, poverty and the lack of awareness. By empowering communities, promoting social inclusion, broad partnerships and economic participation, we can build a more resilient and peaceful society.
As UNDP marks its 60th Anniversary and the world begins a five-year countdown to the Sustainable Development Goals deadline the urgency to act has never been greater. With 2025 also declared the International Year of Peace and Trust, it is important to redouble our collective efforts to adopt a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach though inclusion, tolerance, respect for human rights and sustainable development. Now is the time to reflect on the successes of such initiatives and to renew our collective commitment to investing in at-risk communities.
Watch an animated video series on how we can play an effort in combating hate speech, misinformation and violence. Here
"Preventing violent extremism requires a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach that empowers communities, promotes social inclusion, and strengthens resilience. By addressing root causes like exclusion, unemployment, and hate speech, we can build a more peaceful and secure future for all".
