Advancing Counterterrorism: The Role of Education in Morocco-EU Collaboration

Friday 24 November 2023 - 14:30

By: Dakir Madiha

Advancing Counterterrorism: The Role of Education in Morocco-EU Collaboration

Morocco and the European Union are reinforcing their joint commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism through collaborative education initiatives. In a recent virtual conference marking the launch of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) with a specific focus on education's preventive role, both partners underscored the importance of fostering resilience among the youth.

Led by Morocco and the EU, the conference aimed to identify key challenges and successes in leveraging education to counter violent extremism. The primary objective is to formulate concrete recommendations for decision-makers, educators, and civil society, enabling the implementation of impactful policies and programs. Emphasis will be placed on drawing lessons from Africa and the Sahel region, which is emerging as a new epicenter of terrorism.

This GCTF initiative is an extension of existing frameworks, such as the "Abu Dhabi Memorandum for Good Practices on Education and Countering Violent Extremism." Over the next two years, the partnership intends to design a customized training program for educators, enhancing learners' resilience to violent extremism. Additionally, they plan to develop a toolbox and indicators to assist governments in monitoring and evaluating related education policies.

When the GCTF initiative was first launched in May by the foreign ministers of Morocco and the EU, they positioned education as "a powerful tool to prevent and counter radicalism and violent extremism." This partnership, they noted, exemplifies their shared commitment to promoting peace, security, and development in the face of pressing threats.

This week's conference serves as a reaffirmation of Morocco and the EU's dedication to collaborative educational initiatives. By concentrating efforts on fostering youth resilience, they aspire to eradicate extremism at its core.