In this rapidly evolving digital era, South-East Asia is witnessing significant growth in digital technology, exceeding global averages in social media engagement. Research has indicated that violent extremist and terrorist groups are increasingly exploiting information and communication technologies (ICTs), particularly targeting vulnerable populations. These groups have predominantly shifted their operational activities to the online space, including recruiting, financing, planning, and even the commission of terrorist acts. To effectively mitigate this risk, measures to prevent and counter violent extremism (P/CVE) need to address emerging social and communication challenges exacerbated by the increased use of new ICTs.
As highlighted in the UN Secretary-General's Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism (2015), a whole-of-society approach is essential to developing effective and sustainable PVE strategies, including to address online threats and violent extremist narratives. In line with this recommendation, UNODC is working closely with Member States in South-East Asia to make the best possible use of its regional network of PVE practitioners. The network's discussions are informed by a preparatory working group of South-East Asia (PWG-PVE) which focuses on the development of a common understanding of PVE challenges, the identification of priority areas for intervention and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Recognizing the need for tailored PVE responses, the network is comprised of seven thematic working groups, one of which focuses on strategic communications, the Internet, and social media.
As part of these efforts, UNODC and the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia organized an advisory board roundtable and the second regional meeting of the thematic working group on strategic communications, the Internet, and social media in Kuala Lumpur on 14-16 May 2024.
Building on the PWG-PVE’s work plan endorsed in March 2023, the thematic working group meeting served as a platform to identify effective and sustainable strategic communication strategies to prevent violent extremism. The event built on the outcomes of the first meeting of the strategic communication working group, bringing together over 30 participants from civil society organizations and relevant government officials from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The sessions showcased national experiences from these countries, highlighting challenges and lessons learned in developing and implementing strategic communications targeted at youth. The meeting re-visited the guiding principles for developing successful tailored strategic campaigns and further promoted a multidisciplinary approach through national and regional partnerships with communities and civil society organizations. Emphasis was placed on tailoring campaigns to the needs of the targeted population and promoting positive messages of social cohesion to counter violent extremist narratives effectively. Participants also engaged in group discussion sessions, where they had the opportunity to design their own strategic communication campaigns. These sessions mixed theory with practice, drawing on experiences and examples of successful campaigns and adapting those strategies to the local context.
Further, the meeting of the advisory board offered an opportunity for members to discuss the way forward in the broader context of the network. Participants recommended organizing bilateral meetings with member countries to secure buy-in and advance the PWG-PVE implementation, updating and designating national contact points, and encouraging co-hosted activities to foster collaboration. They emphasized the need to facilitate cross-sectoral partnership and local government engagement, as well as the need to explore the formalization of the network under a regional body, such as ASEAN.
This event was made possible thanks to the support of the Government of Japan and SEARCCT.
