The Human Resource Development Network (HRDN) recently conducted a four-day youth training program in Mirpur Khas, Sindh, as part of its Youth Engagement and Resilience Initiative (YERI) Project. Funded by the European Union and supported by NACTA and UNODC, this initiative aimed to empower youth to prevent and counter violent extremism (PVE/CVE).

Participants engaged in workshops focused on awareness of violent extremism, its root causes, and tools to become proactive peace ambassadors. The program enhanced digital literacy through the YERI E-Learning Platform, covering topics like positive thinking, interfaith harmony, and responsible internet usage. Users were also empowered to report online hate speech.

Dilip Kumar, a member of the Hindu community, praised the initiative for promoting interfaith harmony, while Shah Zaman found the strategies taught useful in combating extremism. Asma Ejaz, Project Manager of YERI, emphasised the urgent need to address extremism, noting Pakistan’s ranking as the second-most terrorism-affected country globally. HRDN, a network of NGOs and professionals, focuses on sustainable development and capacity building.