News

UNESCO, in cooperation with the University of Sherbrooke, University of Quebec in Montreal and Concordia University, has launched a new Chair on the Prevention of Radicalisation and Violent Extremism on 15 December 2017.

This UNESCO Chair, hosted by the University of Sherbrooke in Montreal (Canada), will promote an integrated system of research, education, information, and documentary activities with the involvement of high-level researchers, teachers, and experts from all regions of the world.

Particular attention will be paid to providing knowledge and facilitating exchange of good practices to prevent radicalisation and violent extremism, with a multidisciplinary and cross-regional approach.

Capacity-reinforcement actions will notably target initiatives aimed at fostering youth participation and engagement, as well as knowledge-sharing initiatives in cooperation with schools, communities and media.

The creation of this UNESCO Chair is a step further in the implementation of UNESCO Executive Board Decision 197 EX/Decision 46: “UNESCO’s role in promoting education as a tool to prevent violent extremism” and the achievement of Target 4.7 of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Education, ensuring that “all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development”.

UNESCO supports countries’ efforts to offer education programmes that build young people’s resilience to violent extremist messaging and foster a positive sense of identity and belonging. Young men and women empowerment is made possible through a coordinated approach on the Prevention of Violent Extremism involving all sectors of the Organization, in areas such as global citizenship education, youth participation, media and information literacy, and celebration of cultural diversity.

URL:

https://en.unesco.org/news/new-chair-prevent-radicalisation-and-violent-extremism