“I fully endorse the growing focus on the need to mobilize local actors, including civil society and youth, as our first line of defense against those who preach hate. We believe the Global Community Engagement & Resilience Fund presents an obvious vehicle for putting grassroots level responses to radicalization into action.”

“I was struck by two key factors in combating terrorist radicalisation and recruitment in Nasawara State (Nigeria), both of which GCERF is helping to advance. First, trust between communities and their local authorities is critical in efforts to curb terrorism. Second, young people diverted away from a violent agenda can become our strongest allies for peace.”

“In order to respond to the evolving terrorism threat, we need to build resilience at all levels through a comprehensive and inclusive approach, involving all parts of society. We need to start at the grassroots level by engaging families, local communities, religious bodies and the media to help win the hearts and minds of our young people so they reject the violence and nihilism offered by terrorist groups and violent extremist ideologies. Our increased partnership with GCERF will be critical in this regard.”

“The activity which made the greatest impact on me was the work with unemployed youth. It was a very graphic description of how the work of GCERF can turn around an individual’s life and set him on the path to security. It was very impressive.”