Call for participants: RAN LOCAL WG Meeting on the local impact of war and international conflicts, 29 February - 01 March 2024

Thursday 29 February – Friday 1 March 2024, Lunch-to-lunch CET 

Background and aim of the meeting

The first RAN LOCAL meeting of the year aims to delve into a crucial aspect of our collective efforts – the local impact of international conflicts and wars on P/CVE. On the one hand, we have our ever-changing global landscape in which the implications of conflicts abroad resonate deeply within our local communities. It presents local challenges like (mass) demonstrations, potentially more incoming refugees and – even further – polarisation between citizens and authorities that demand thoughtful coordination, communication, and collaborative solutions. On the other hand, European nations are facing growing anti-establishment sentiments, more hate, both online and in the public sphere, and less tolerance, creating more potential for violence. 

What practices do local P/CVE authorities need to consider given the situation described when it comes to assessing and preventing potential violent extremist threats, and to strengthen communication and dialogue with all citizens, understanding grievances and strengths of different communities and maintaining and creating safe spaces for free speech, diversity and social cohesion (i.e. addressing root causes of radicalisation towards violent extremism) in the face of the effects of war and international conflict spilling over into Europe? Is there a need to develop professional skills of local P/CVE authorities, and if so, what are the new skills needed? 

The outcome of the meeting and its conclusions will be shared with the policymakers of the Member States, and might feed into the agenda of RAN Practitioners and the European Commission. It is an opportunity for local P/CVE authorities and practitioners to identify and share insights into relevant cultural activities and programmes. As always, participants will be protected by the Chatham House Rule.

Practitioners we are looking for: local P/CVE coordinators/advisers and first-line practitioners.

In order to find the best suited participants, we would like to kindly ask you to briefly answer the questions in the survey.

Deadline

If you are interested in participating in this meeting, please fill out the form by 26 January 2024. We will invite participants based on the information provided therein. Please keep in mind that there is only a limited number of places available, so participation cannot be guaranteed.

The meeting will be held in English (without interpretation).

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact v [dot] vaseurradaradvies [dot] nl (Vincent VASEUR) or m [dot] shahhoudradaradvies [dot] nl (Malaz SHAHHOUD).