缅北禁地

Wednesday 30 June 2021 01:30PM – 03:00PM EST

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to more young people spending long hours online and on social networks and platforms. This increased online social engagement has created an opportunity for terrorists and violent extremist to disseminate misinformation, spread hate speech and mobilize for violence offline. There is a need for prevention interventions against the increasing influence of the internet as a powerful and prolific channel of exposure to violent extremist ideas around the world.

This session aims to understand the changing online environment, channels and methods used by terrorists and violent groups, particularly in the context of COVID-19. It will aim to explore new and unconventional methods of communication in the digital space, as well as exploring preventive measures to take into consideration. This will include an analysis of new and emerging communications platforms such as “new generation” social media and online gaming networks. Participants will explore current trends in the dissemination of terrorist narratives on these new platforms and discuss options for PCVE interventions.

The session will also provide an opportunity to listen to voices from the field from participants of the EDIN - “Empowering Dialogue and Interfaith Networks” project and launch the official website. “EDIN” is a pilot initiative developed by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the United Nations Counter Terrorism Centre (UNCCT). EDIN aims to provide young religious leaders, representatives of faith-based organizations and young media makers with a peer-to- peer learning space and build their capacity to prevent sectarian violence and counter terrorist narratives online, using efficient communication tools and strategies to reach their communities.

The concept note and agenda for the virtual side event is available here.