Rabat – Morocco and the European Union are collaborating to launch an initiative to combat violent extremism and terrorism through prevention and education.
The initiative was launched on Thursday, on the sidelines of the Global Counterterrorism Forum in Cairo, in which Morocco participated.
The program also comes in cooperation with Hedayah, an organization dedicated to countering extremist thoughts and violent terrorism.
Speaking to the forum via a video message, Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said education was a “strong tool” to prevent and fight extremism, including the violence it leads to.
Education can also help individuals to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to display skepticism and avoid being affected by extremist speech and ideologies, he added, specifying that it can help counter such ideologies especially in unstable areas.
Bourita also mentioned that the initiative is an example of the “excellent partnership and mutual commitment” between Morocco and the EU to strengthen peace and development.
The program, which will last for two years until 2025, focuses on designing training programs for educators to equip them with the skills necessary to counter extremist and violent speech.
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said the program would help develop more tolerant societies that are more adept at dealing with extremist and terrorist threats.
The 21st Coordinating Committee of the forum highlighted Morocco’s efforts in the field between 2015 and 2022.
Read also: US Official: Morocco is a Critical US Partner in Countering Terrorism
Morocco’s involvement with the forum and its application of its agreed-upon measures reflects the country’s “spirit of cooperation” and its active involvement in global multilateral cooperation, said Director of Global Issues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ismail Chekkori.
Morocco throughout its presidency actively led the forum’s efforts as a “crucial platform for international cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism,” he added, stressing that the country will continue to contribute to the forum’ mission.
The Global Counterterrorism Forum includes 30 members; it was launched in 2011 with Turkey and the US as co-chairs.
The forum consists of five working groups specializing in different areas of counterterrorism and different geographical regions. The forum members regularly cooperate with international and regional organizations, including the UN.
