International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Condustive to Terrorism 2026; February 12th.

FORUM:“Preventing Violent Extremism in the Digital Age: Anticipating New and EmergingTechnologies Risks and Opportunities, Safeguarding Human Rights, and EmpoweringFuture Generations” International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Condustive to Terrorism 2026. The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 77/243, designating 12 February as the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive toTerrorism in December 2022. This resolution underscores the importance of raising awareness about the threats linked to violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism and fostering international cooperation in this regard. It reaffirmed that terrorism and violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group, reflecting commitment to human rights and inclusivity. Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the primary responsibility of Member States and their national institutions in countering terrorism, in full compliance with their obligations under international human rights law, while acknowledging the critical role of intergovernmental organizations, civil society, academia, religious leaders, and the media in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #12february, #extremists, #violentextremism, #counterterrorism, #PVEDay.

EVENTS: On February 12th, from 10:00am–11:30am, Conference Room 5 (TBC) at the United Nations Headquarters, New York will be heald the observance of the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conduciveto Terrorism 2026  which will provide an opportunity for the international community to come together and reaffirm the importance of prevention.Digital transformation, including artificial intelligence, algorithmic systems, evolving social media ecosystems, and emerging online spaces, is reshaping how communities connect, communicate and form identities. While new and emerging technologies hold tremendous promises for advancing human development and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, they also generate significant risks Terrorist actors have quickly recognized the potential of these technologies and increasingly exploit them to recruit and radicalize, spread harmful narratives, and mobilize for violence1 . New forms of technologically facilitated violent extremism, such as leaderless networks, gamified radicalization to violence , and AI-generated disinformation and misinformation, are creating an increasingly complex prevention landscape. In this rapidly evolving context, the special event to mark the 2026 International Day for the Preventionof Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism will seek to discuss and showcase the solutions, partnerships, and programmatic efforts that are being put in place to translate global commitments into concrete prevention outcomes. Against the backdrop of the UN80 initiative, which underscores the imperative for a more integrated, agile and results-oriented United Nations system, the 2026 observance will also serve as a strategic moment in the lead-up to the 9th Review of the United Nations GlobalCounter-Terrorism Strategy, scheduled for mid-2026. Building on the 8 th review of the Strategy, which expressed concern over the potential use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes and reaffirmed the need for Governments and the international community to enhance cooperation to prevent and counter terrorism in a coordinated, inclusive, transparent and human rights-based, gender-responsive manner, this year’s observance offers a timely opportunity to deepen this discussion. With the Strategy approaching its twentieth anniversary and the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism having recently marked its tenth anniversary, the International PVE Day will offer an opportunity for Member States and the United Nations system to assess progress, reaffirm collective commitments, and identify priority actions to strengthen prevention efforts and build resilient, peaceful and cohesive societies for present and future generations. Register to participae!

LIVESTREAM:

Special Commemoration Event for International PVE Day – "Preventing Violent Extremism in the Digital Age: Anticipating New and Emerging Technologies Risks and Opportunities, Safeguarding Human Rights, and Empowering Future Generations"

 

 From Principles to Practice: Special Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism

 

Statement of the United Nations Secretary General on the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism 2026; February 12th.

Today, we reaffirm our shared resolve to prevent violent extremism and shield communities from the scourge of terrorism.

Terrorist groups routinely exploit instability, runaway technologies, and socio-economic fragility to target and intimidate vulnerable groups. Young people, including children, are increasingly susceptible to radicalization through online social media platforms and unregulated gaming environments.

Both the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which is marking its twentieth anniversary this year, and the United Nations Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, which is marking its tenth anniversary, remind us that stronger security measures alone are not enough.

We must get at the source of the problem, through renewed efforts to address grievances and the conditions conducive to terrorism by strengthening education systems, expanding civic space, and fostering dialogue and trust among and within communities.

It also means working with all stakeholders, including the private sector and technology companies, to build guardrails that can prevent violent extremism.

All these efforts must be rooted in human rights and the rule of law, so every person has a voice in shaping their society’s future.

Together, let’s build resilient and inclusive communities where violent extremism finds no foothold, and peace prevails for all.

António Guterres.