GCERF Marks International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism and Launches its Strategy 2026–2029

Geneva, 12 February 2026 – The Kyrgyz Republic and GCERF mark the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism with the official launch of GCERF’s Global Strategy 2026–2029, reaffirming a shared commitment to address the root causes of radicalisation and recruitment by violent extremist groups.

Observed annually on 12 February, the commemoration takes place this year amid growing global instability. Armed conflicts are at their highest level in three decades*, while development and humanitarian resources continue to shrink, placing additional strain on fragile communities and heightening risks of violent extremism.

Against this backdrop, GCERF’s new strategy responds to an urgent need: to scale community-based prevention efforts, increasingly recognised as essential to sustainable peace and security. It sets out GCERF’s priorities for the next four years, focusing on scaling community-based prevention, strengthening evidence-driven programming and deepening partnerships to respond to evolving extremist threats.

GCERF’s strategy builds on proven rehabilitation and reintegration results in the Western Balkans and Iraq to expand its reach with recent investments in Central Asia – including Kyrgyzstan – and Syria. In Northeast Syria, GCERF is advocating for the closure of detention and displacement camps that continue to pose a global security threat. Through structured and sustainable rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, GCERF has supported the safe reintegration of 12,000 returnees and at-risk individuals, helping transform environments of vulnerability into opportunities for recovery and resilience. This approach protects local populations while contributing to broader international security by reducing the risk of extremist networks re-emerging.

“With the launch of its Global Strategy 2026–2029, GCERF reinforces its commitment to delivering prevention where it is most needed – within communities facing fragility and risk. By investing in locally led solutions, strengthening programmes through evidence, and working in partnership to address emerging threats, GCERF and its partners aim to reduce the drivers of violent extremism and support safer, more resilient societies.” says Dr. Khalid Koser, GCERF Executive Director.

On this International Day, the Kyrgyz Republic and GCERF call on governments, civil society, and international partners to strengthen prevention efforts and ensure communities receive the support needed to build lasting peace.

* Rustad, Siri Aas (2025) Conflict Trends: A Global Overview, 1946–2024. PRIO Paper. Oslo: PRIO.

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About GCERF
Since its establishment, GCERF has invested over USD 118 million in community-led prevention initiatives across more than 26 fragile and conflict-affected countries, supporting around 444 local civil society organisations operating on the frontlines of instability.

These investments have provided credible alternatives for over 4.7 million people at risk of radicalisation and recruitment

Contact: media@gcerf.org