“The Group of Friends will be critical in strengthening the UN’s ability to effectively prevent violent extremism”, said Norway’s Ambassador Tore Hattrem.
The new Group of Friends of Preventing Violent Extremism lanuched 28 September 2017. The Group is co-chaired by Norway and Jordan.
Read more about #Friends4PVE on the groups webpage here.
Jordan was represented at the meeting by Ambassador Dr. Sima Sami Bahous. During the meeting, Ambassador Sima expressed her appreciation for the broad and strong support which she said confirmed the utility of preventing violent extremism by addressing the underlying drivers of such behavior.
Download: Group of Friends of Preventing Violent Extremism.pdf
On social media: #Friends4PVE.
The group comprises close to 40 Member States of the UN, from all regions of the world as well as the European Union.
Also present at the meeting was Vladimir Voronkov, Under Secretary General for the newly established UN Counter Terrorism Office. USG Voronkov expressed his appreciation for the establishment of the Group of Friends and pledged his unequivocal support and willingness to collaborate with the Group. Several members of the Group conveyed to Mr. Voronkov that they hoped the meetings could provide a platform for sharing ideas about where he as intends to take the U.N. and how member states can work effectively with the CT Office.
The purpose of the Group of Friends is to promote a comprehensive approach to confront terrorism and violent extremism by addressing the underlying conditions that drive individuals to radicalize. This includes providing political support to efforts by the new UN Office of Counter-Terrorism to prevent violent extremism, share lessons learned and best practices around various topics pertaining to preventing violent extremism, provide a forum for discussion and coordination between UN entities, governments, civil society, religious leaders and other stakeholders.
The Group will hold regular meetings in New York at ambassadorial and expert level.
Participation in the Group of Friends is open to all UN Member States, subject to approval from the current members of the group.
Founding members:
- Jordan (chair)
- Norway (chair)
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- Belgium
- Canada
- Chile
- Czech republic
- Denmark
- European Union
- Finland
- France
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Italy
- Kenya
- Lebanon
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Peru
- Poland
- Qatar
- Republic of Korea
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tunisia
- The United Arab Emirates
- The United Kingdom
- The United States
For inquiries about membership, please contact the Permanent Mission of Norway to the UN, delun@mfa.no.
