Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives

For release 24 April 2017

New Zealand to advance the prevention of violent extremism in the Asia- Pacific

Darroch Ball MP will represent New Zealand this week at the Regional Meeting of Young Parliamentarians of the Asia-Pacific in, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The meeting is jointly hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Parliament of Sri Lanka, and the United Nations Development Programme. This year’s theme is the role of young parliamentarians in advancing inclusive and peaceful societies and combating violent extremism.

The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, Rt Hon David Carter, said “prosperous and stable societies require the active participation and engagement of young people. The perspectives of youth, our future leaders, need to be integrated into parliamentary work. Therefore, it is of concern that only 1.9 percent of parliamentarians worldwide are under thirty years of age, whereas half of the world’s population is under thirty.”

Mr Speaker noted “civic engagement enhances social resilience and promotes peaceful and inclusive societies and can therefore be a significant tool in combating violent extremism. I am delighted that Mr Ball has the opportunity to learn about the threat of rising extremism in our wider Asia-Pacific region. I know he will gain much from his interactions with other young parliamentarians and global experts in this important field.”

The comprehensive programme will focus on understanding the existing United Nations frameworks and mechanisms, addressing violent extremism, countering radicalisation recruitment processes, and the role of gender equality in violent extremism. It also includes an interactive discussion with a former extremist.

The meeting brings together young parliamentarians from 40 countries, members of youth organisations, specialists on violent extremism, and representatives from civil society and the private sector. Delegates will gain the tools and networks needed to engage youth in building social resilience and preventing violent extremism.

The meeting runs from 25 April to 27 April 2017.

ENDS

© Scoop Media